Production costs for selected vegetables

SAoRA. Smith
ScofVA. Smith

DOCt7 1I

Economic Information

Timothy G. Taylor

Report El 95-1

Production Cost for Selected Vegetables
In Florida, 1994-95

UNIVERSITY OF
1 FLORIDA
Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences
Food and Resource Economics Department
Florida Agricultural Experiment Station
Gainesville, FL 32611
100
F637fe
E! 95-1

August 1995

ABSTRACT

Costs of production are reported for twelve vegetable crops produced in one or more of ten production areas in
Florida for the 1994-95 season. In all, thirty-one crop-area combinations are presented along with net return
analyses. Labor and machinery cost breakdowns by operation are detailed in the appendix.

Keywords: budgets, cost of production, vegetables.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This report is the outcome of work contributed by numerous individuals. In particular the assistance of Ben
Castro, Stephen Crnko, Jim Dilbeck, Anthony Drew, Phyllis Gilreath, Bob Hochmuth, Tom Schueneman, Ken
Shuler, Stewart Swanson and Austin Tilton is greatfully acknowledged. In addition, the authors would like to
express their appreciation to the various state agencies, Florida growers, and agricultural associations who
contributed their technical knowledge of vegetable crop production. Thanks also to Janice Baisden for her assistance
in the processing of this document.

I !1

ABSTRACT

Costs of production are reported for twelve vegetable crops produced in one or more of ten production areas in
Florida for the 1994-95 season. In all, thirty-one crop-area combinations are presented along with net return
analyses. Labor and machinery cost breakdowns by operation are detailed in the appendix.

Keywords: budgets, cost of production, vegetables.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This report is the outcome of work contributed by numerous individuals. In particular the assistance of Ben
Castro, Stephen Crnko, Jim Dilbeck, Anthony Drew, Phyllis Gilreath, Bob Hochmuth, Tom Schueneman, Ken
Shuler, Stewart Swanson and Austin Tilton is greatfully acknowledged. In addition, the authors would like to
express their appreciation to the various state agencies, Florida growers, and agricultural associations who
contributed their technical knowledge of vegetable crop production. Thanks also to Janice Baisden for her assistance
in the processing of this document.

I !1

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page

A abstract .. ..... .. ........ .. .. .............. ...... .......... ... .. ... i
Acknowledgements ........................................ ............... i
Table of Contents ................ ..................... ....... .......... iii
List of Tables .......................................................... iii
List of Appendix Tables .................................................... vii
Introduction ............................ ............................... xi
Principal Vegetable Producing Areas in Florida and Major Vegetables Produced. ................ xiii
Key to Terms Used in Tables .................................. ............ xv
Appendix: Cultural Labor Costs by Activity and Machinery Costs by Operation. ................. 33

List of Tables
Table Page
1. Bush Beans: Estimated production costs in the Dade County area, 1994-95. .............. 1
2. Bush Beans: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the
Dade County area, 1994-95. ........................................... 1
3. Cabbage: Estimated production costs in the Hastings area, 1994-95. ................... 2
4. Cabbage: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the
Hastings area, 1994-95. ..................................... .......... 2
5. Celery: Estimated production costs in the central Florida area, 1994-95. ................ 3
6. Celery: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the
central Florida area, 1994-95. ............................................ 3
7. Celery: Estimated production costs in the Everglades area, 1994-95. .................... 4
8. Celery: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the
Everglades area, 1994-95 ............................................... 4
9. Sweet Corn: Estimated production costs in the central Florida area, 1994-95. ............. 5
10. Sweet Corn: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the
central Florida area, 1994-95. ........................................... 5
11. Sweet Corn: Estimated production costs in the Dade County area, 1994-95. .............. 6
12. Sweet Corn: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the
Dade County area, 1994-95 ................................................ 6
13. Sweet Corn: Estimated production costs in the Everglades area, 1994-95. ............... 7
14. Sweet Corn: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the
Everglades area, 1994-95 ................................................. 7
15. Sweet Corn: Estimated production costs in the Palm Beach County area, 1994-95. ......... ... 8
16. Sweet Corn: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the
Palm Beach County area, 1994-95. ......................................... 8

Table Page
17. Cucumbers: Estimated production costs in the southwest Florida area, 1994-95. . . . 9
18. Cucumbers: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the
southwest Florida area, 1994-95. ............... ............................. 9
19. Eggplant: Estimated production costs in the Palm Beach County area, 1994-95. . . ... 10
20. Eggplant: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the
Palm Beach County area, 1994-95 .......................................... 10
21. Eggplant: Estimated production costs for the initial crop of a double-crop system in
the Palm Beach County area, 1994-95. ....................................... 11
22. Eggplant: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations for the initial
crop of a double-crop system in the Palm Beach County area, 1994-95. .................. 11
23. Green Peppers: Estimated production costs in the Palm Beach County area, 1994-95. ......... 12
24. Green Peppers: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Palm Beach County area, 1994-95. .................. ................. 12
25. Green Peppers: Estimated production costs for the initial crop of a double-crop system
in the Palm Beach County area, 1994-95. .................................... 13
26. Green Peppers: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations for the
initial crop of a double-crop system in the Palm Beach County area, 1994-95. .............. 13
27. Green Peppers: Estimated production costs in the southwest Florida area, 1994-95. .......... 14
28. Green Peppers: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the southwest Florida area, 1994-95. ..................................... 14
29. Green Peppers: Estimated production costs for the initial crop of a double-crop system
in the southwest Florida area, 1994-95. ..................................... 15
30. Green Peppers: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations for the
initial crop of a double-crop system in the southwest Florida area, 1994-95. ............... 15
31. Chip Potatoes: Estimated production costs in the Hastings area, 1994-95. ................ 16
32. Chip Potatoes: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Hastings area, 1994-95. ........................................... 16
33. Table Potatoes: Estimated production costs in the Dade County area, 1994-95. ............. 17
34. Table Potatoes: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Dade County area, 1994-95. ........................................ 17
35. Table Potatoes: Estimated production costs in the Hastings area, 1994-95. ................ 18
36. Table Potatoes: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Hastings area, 1994-95. ........................................... 18
37. Summer Squash: Estimated production costs in the Dade County area, 1994-95. ............ 19

Table Page
38. Summer Squash: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Dade County area, 1994-95. ..................................... .. .19
39. Strawberries: Estimated production costs in the Plant City area, 1994-95. . . . ... 20
40. Strawberries: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Plant City area, 1994-95. ................................. ........ ..20
41. Tomatoes: Estimated production costs in the Dade County area, 1994-95. . . . ... 21
42. Tomatoes: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Dade County area, 1994-95. ................... ..................... 21
43. Fall Tomatoes: Estimated production costs in the Manatee/Ruskin area, 1994-95. ............ 22
44. Fall Tomatoes: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Manatee/Ruskin area, 1994-95. ...................................... 22
45. Fall Tomatoes: Estimated production costs for the initial crop of a double-crop system
in the Manatee/Ruskin area, 1994-95. ...................................... 23
46. Fall Tomatoes: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations for the
initial crop of a double-crop system in the Manatee/Ruskin area, 1994-95. ................ 23
47. Spring Tomatoes: Estimated production costs in the Manatee/Ruskin area, 1994-95. .......... 24
48. Spring Tomatoes: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Manatee/Ruskin area, 1994-95. ...................................... 24
49. Spring Tomatoes: Estimated Production costs in the north Florida area, 1994-95. ............ 25
50. Spring Tomatoes: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the
north Florida area, 1994-95. .................. .......................... 25
51. Tomatoes: Estimated production costs in the southwest Florida area, 1994-95. ........... 26
52. Tomatoes: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the
southwest Florida area, 1994-95. ......................................... 26
53. Tomatoes: Estimated production costs for the initial crop of a double-crop system
in the southwest Florida area, 1994-95. ..................................... 27
54. Tomatoes: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations for the initial
crop of a double-crop system in the southwest Florida area, 1994-95. ................... 27
55. Watermelons: Estimated production costs in the Alachua/Levy County area, 1994-95 .......... 28
56. Watermelons: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Alachua/Levy County area, 1994-95. .................................... 28
57. Watermelons: Estimated production costs in the Manatee/Ruskin area, 1994-95. ........ .. .29
58. Watermelons: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations
in the Manatee/Ruskin area, 1994-95. ...................................... 29

Table Page
59. Watermelons: Estimated Production costs in the north Florida area, 1994-95. .............. 30
60. Watermelons: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in
the north Florida area, 1994-95. ........................ ............ .... 30
61. Watermelons: Estimated production costs in the southwest Florida area, 1994-95. . . ... 31
62. Watermelons: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in
the southwest Florida area, 1994-95. .................. .................... 31

Table
A-1.
A-2.
A-3.
A-4.
A-5.
A-6.
A-7.
A-8.
A-9.
A-10.
A-ll.
A-12.
A-13.
A-14.

List of Appendix Tables

Page
Bush Beans: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Dade County area, 1994-95. ......... 35
Bush Beans: Summary of machine use and costs in the Dade County area, 1994-95. ......... 35
Cabbage: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Hastings area, 1994-95. ............... 36
Cabbage: Summary of machine use and costs in the Hastings area, 1994-95. ............... 36
Celery: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the central Florida area, 1994-95. ............ 37
Celery: Summary of machine use and costs in the central Florida area, 1994-95. ............ 37
Celery: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Everglades area, 1994-95. ............... 38
Celery: Summary of machine use and costs in the Everglades area, 1994-95. .............. 38
Sweet Corn: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the central Florida area, 1994-95. ......... 39
Sweet Corn: Summary of machine use and costs in the central Florida area, 1994-95. . ... 39
Sweet Corn: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Dade County area, 1994-95. .......... 40
Sweet Corn: Summary of machine use and costs in the Dade County area, 1994-95. .......... 40
Sweet Corn: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Everglades area, 1994-95. ............ 41
Sweet Corn: Summary of machine use and costs in the Everglades area, 1994-95. ........... 41

A-15. Sweet Corn: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Palm Beach County area, 1994-95. ...... 42
A-16. Sweet Corn: Summary of machine use and costs in the Palm Beach County area, 1994-95. ....... 42
A-17. Cucumbers: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the southwest Florida area, 1994-95. ........ 43
A-18. Cucumbers: Summary of machine use and costs in the southwest Florida area, 1994-95. ....... 43
A-19. Eggplant: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Palm Beach County area, 1994-95. ........ 44

A-20. Eggplant: Summary of machine use and costs in the Palm Beach County area, 1994-95. ......... 44
A-21. Eggplant: Summary of preharvest labor costs for the initial crop of a double-crop system in the
Palm Beach County area, 1994-95. ........................................ 45
A-22. Eggplant: Summary of machine use and costs for the initial crop of a double-crop system in the
Palm Beach County area, 1994-95. ........................................ 45
A-23. Green Peppers: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Palm Beach County area, 1994-95. .. 46
A-24. Green Peppers: Summary of machine use and costs in the Palm Beach County area, 1994-95. .... 46
A-25. Green Peppers: Summary of preharvest labor costs for the initial crop of a double-crop system
in the Palm Beach County area, 1994-95. .................................... 47
A-26. Green Peppers: Summary of machine use and costs for the initial crop of a double-crop system
in the Palm Beach County area, 1994-95. .................................... 47
A-27. Green Peppers: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the southwest Florida area, 1994-95. ....... 48
A-28. Green Peppers: Summary of machine use and costs in the southwest Florida area, 1994-95. ..... 48

Table Page
A-29. Green Peppers: Summary of preharvest labor costs for the initial crop of a double-crop system
in the southwest Florida area, 1994-95 .................. .................. 49
A-30. Green Peppers: Summary of machine use and costs for the initial crop of a double-crop system
in the southwest Florida area, 1994-95 ..................................... 49
A-31. Chip Potatoes: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Hastings area, 1994-95. ........... 50
A-32. Chip Potatoes: Summary of machine use and costs in the Hastings area, 1994-95. . . 50
A-33. Table Potatoes: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Dade County area, 1994-95. ........ 51
A-34. Table Potatoes: Summary of machine use and costs in the Dade County area, 1994-95. ........ 51
A-35. Table Potatoes: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Hastings area, 1994-95. ........... 52
A-36. Table Potatoes: Summary of machine use and costs in the Hastings area, 1994-95. . . ... 52
A-37. Summer Squash: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Dade County area, 1994-95. ........ 53
A-38. Summer Squash: Summary of machine use and costs in the Dade County area, 1994-95. ....... 53
A-39. Strawberries: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Plant City area, 1994-95. ............ 54
A-40. Strawberries: Summary of machine use and costs in the Plant City area, 1994-95. ........... 54
A-41. Tomatoes: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Dade County area, 1994-95. ........... 55
A-42. Tomatoes: Summary of machine use and costs in the Dade County area, 1994-95. ........... 55
A-43. Fall Tomatoes: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Manatee/Ruskin area, 1994-95. ....... 56
A-44. Fall Tomatoes: Summary of machine use and costs in the Manatee/Ruskin area, 1994-95. ........ 56
A-45. Fall Tomatoes: Summary of preharvest labor costs for the initial crop of a double-crop system
in the Manatee/Ruskin area, 1994-95. ...................................... 57
A-46. Fall Tomatoes: Summary of machine use and costs for the initial crop of a double-crop system
in the Manatee/Ruskin area, 1994-95. ....................................... 57
A-47. Spring Tomatoes: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Manatee/Ruskin area, 1994-95. ..... 58
A-48. Spring Tomatoes: Summary of machine use and costs in the Manatee/Ruskin area, 1994-95. ...... 58
A-49. Spring Tomatoes: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the north Florida area, 1994-95. ........ 59
A-50. Spring Tomatoes: Summary of machine use and costs in the north Florida area, 1994-95 ....... 59
A-51. Tomatoes: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the southwest Florida area, 1994-95. ......... 60
A-52. Tomatoes: Summary of machine use and costs in the southwest Florida area, 1994-95. ........ 60
A-53. Tomatoes: Summary of preharvest labor costs for the initial crop of a double-crop system in the
southwest Florida area, 1994-95. .......................................... 61
A-54. Tomatoes: Summary of machine use and costs for the initial crop of a double-crop system in the
southwest Florida area, 1994-95. ....................... ................... 61
A-55. Watermelons: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Alachua/Levy County area, 1994-95. .... 62
A-56. Watermelons: Summary of machine use and costs in the Alachua/Levy County area, 1994-95. ..... 62

Viii

Table Page
A-57. Watermelons: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Manatee/Ruskin area, 1994-95. ........ 63
A-58. Watermelons: Summary of machine use and costs in the Manatee/Ruskin area, 1994-95. ....... 63
A-59. Watermelons: Summary of preharvest labor cost in the north Florida area, 1994-95. .......... 64
A-60. Watermelons: Summary of machine use and costs in the north Florida area, 1994-95. ......... 64
A-61. Watermelons: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the southwest Florida area, 1994-95. ........ 65
A-62. Watermelons: Summary of machine use and costs in the southwest Florida area, 1994-95. ...... 65

X

PRODUCTION COSTS FOR SELECTED FLORIDA VEGETABLES,

1994-95

Scott A. Smith and Timothy G. Taylor'

This report presents estimated costs of production for 12 vegetable crops produced in one or more of 10 producing
areas in Florida for the 1994-95 season. In all, 31 crop-area combinations are included. The cost budgets were
constructed using a computerized budget generator program, AGSYS. Technical coefficients used in constructing
the budgets were obtained by consultation with individual growers, county agents, and IFAS researchers. The input
prices used in conjunction with the technical coefficients were obtained by survey and correspondence with farm
suppliers and growers in each of the areas in which production costs are reported.

The budgets presented in this report are intended to reflect the cost of production incurred when production practices
that are considered typical for any given crop in a given area are followed. What constitutes a typical production
practice for each crop was defined by a consensus of opinion between IFAS personnel and various producers in each
production area. It should be emphasized that cost estimates resulting from this process should not be considered
as representing the average cost of production in a statistical sense nor should they be considered as necessarily
relating to recommended production practices. The intent of these cost budgets is to establish a benchmark within
the range of actual costs that could be expected to produce the crop.

Eight budgets reflecting double-crop production practices are included in this year's Cost of Production:
Manatee/Ruskin spring tomatoes, Manatee/Ruskin fall watermelons, Southwest spring tomatoes and peppers,
Southwest fall cucumbers and watermelons, Palm Beach area spring eggplant and pepper. Double-crop production
refers to the practice of planting a "following" crop directly into the plastic mulch-covered beds used to produce
an initial crop to utilize residual inputs from the proceeding crop. Most commonly, tomatoes or peppers are followed
by cucumbers or watermelons but other combinations may occur. The combination of crops produced is generally
determined by grower preference. This system of fanning is practiced in an effort to recover costs incurred in the
production of the initial crop and reduce cost of production of the second crop. Actual production practices for the
initial crop, either tomatoes or peppers, are affected very little when double-cropping is used. However, production
of the subsequent crop is affected significantly relative to growing the crop independently.

It should be noted that pre-cooling charges no longer appear in a number of budgets. Response from industry
reviewers has indicated that these charges are incurred by the buyer, are not included in F.O.B. values, and
therefore should not be presented in production budgets. Other changes to note are that supervisory or management
labor expense is now reported in fixed costs rather than included with variable labor costs. Also, land rent has been
adjusted to reflect net acreage as best possible.

For each crop contained in this report there are four tables that present various types of information. Two tables
for each crop are included in the text. The first reports estimated cost of production per acre and per unit, and the
second reports estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations. The appendix contains two additional
tables for each crop that summarize preharvest labor costs by production activity, and a breakdown of fixed and
variable machinery and implement costs.

SEconomic Analyst and Professor respectively, Food and Resource Economics Department, Institute of Food
and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.

The net return range analyses provide information on how sensitive the estimated net return for any crop is to
variations in either yield per acre or price per unit. For each crop, net returns are estimated for 25 price and yield
combinations. The ranges for both price and yield are intended to be broad enough to include the actual season
average prices and yields obtained by growers in any given area. The following algorithm is used to estimate net
returns per acre for five price yield combinations.

Net Return Per Acre = TR [TPC + (HC Yj)]

where;
TR = total revenue ( Pi Yj ) per acre.
TPC = total preharvest cost per acre.
HC = per unit harvest cost.
Pi = range analysis price 1 to 5 per unit.
Yj = range analysis yield 1 to 5 per acre.

The appendix tables detail costs for both labor input and various types of machinery and implements. For labor,
the estimated hours per acre required to perform an operation, or total man hours per acre where specific operations
cannot be itemized, and the cost per acre are delineated. Machinery costs are reported for tractors, implements,
and a miscellaneous category. The total hours used per acre and estimated fixed and variable costs per acre are
reported for each machine or implement.

Fixed machinery costs include interest cost, taxes, insurance, and depreciation. Variable machinery costs include
the cost of fuel, oil, and repair and maintenance. Both fixed and variable machinery costs are calculated on the
basis of hours of use per acre for each machine or implement. It should be noted that tractor driver labor is not
included in the variable cost of machinery, but reported as "tractor labor" in the labor cost table.

Finally, in some cases, the total cost figures for various subcategories will not exactly equal the sum of individual
cost components due to rounding errors. In all cases, this difference is no more than a few cents.

PRINCIPAL VEGETABLE PRODUCING AREAS IN FLORIDA
AND MAJOR VEGETABLES PRODUCED

2

1. West--tomatoes, watermelons
2. North
A. Alachua/Levy County-watermelons
B. Hastings area--potatoes, cabbage
C. Jefferson County--watermelons
D. Quincy area--tomatoes
3. North Central
E. Lake/Marion/Sumter County--watermelons
F. Zellwood area--celery, sweet corn
4. West Central
G. Plant City area-strawberries
H. Ruskin/Palmetto area--tomatoes, watermelons

5. East Central--tomatoes, watermelons
6. Southwest--cucumbers, peppers, squash
tomatoes, watermelons
7. Everglades--celery, sweet corn, lettuce
radishes, escarole

8. Southeast
I. Palm Beach County--cucumbers, sweet corn
eggplant, squash
J. Dade County--beans, sweet corn, potatoes
tomatoes, squash, cuban vegetables

xiv

Bactericide:

Bees:

Containers:

Crop insurance:

Custom work:

Double-crop:

Fertilizer:

Fungicide:

General labor:

Harvesting:

Hauling:

Herbicide:

Insecticide:

Interest cost:

Labor:

Land rent:

Machinery cost:

Fixed:

Operating:

Management:

Key to Terms Used in Tables

Includes only the cost of bactericides applied.

Bee hive rental when used for pollination purposes.

Includes cartons, crates, or baskets in which the product is transported to market.

Represents crop hail and/or multiperil insurance.

Work performed on a contract or piece-rate basis.

Crop production system in which an initial crop utilizing plastic mulch is planted and grown
using normal production practices. A second (following) crop, usually different from the
first, is subsequently planted directly into the existing mulched beds. This is done in an
effort to spread some of the costs of the initial crop such as plastic mulch, land and bed
preparation over both crops. This also acts to reduce the cost to produce the second crop by
utilizing the remaining inputs from the first crop.

Includes only the cost of fertilizer (and lime) applied.

Includes only the cost of fungicides applied.

Estimate of labor hours per acre necessary to perform various production tasks during the
growing period. Harvest labor is included in harvesting cost.

Represents the cost of harvesting the crop and preparing it for movement to the
packinghouse on a per-packed-unit basis.

Moving the produce from the field to the packinghouse or storage area.

Includes only the cost of herbicides applied.

Includes only the cost of insecticides applied.

Interest charged on production capital only. An interest rate of 8.0 percent was used in
estimating this cost.

Includes field and tractor labor. Supervisory labor is included as a fixed cost of management.
Harvest labor is included in harvesting cost.

An estimate of the prevailing rate charged for land utilized in each production area and for
each specific crop.

Represents the cost of using farm machinery and implements exclusive of labor. This cost
is reported in two subcategories:

Includes depreciation, interest charged to capital expenditures, taxes, storage, and insurance.

Includes expenditures on fuel, oil, repair, and maintenance.

Cost of salaried farm management. This value is based on a percent of preharvest cost and
does not include returns to management.

Overhead:

Packing:

Packing material:

Picking basket:

Plastic mulch:

Precooling:

Seed:

Selling:

Soil fumigants:

Transplants:

Transportation:

Wrapping paper:

Yield:

Includes indirect production costs, such as communications equipment, office supplies, legal
and audit fees, cost of regulatory compliance, administrative costs, telephone, and incidental
expenses. A range 10 to 25 percent of preharvest cost was used to estimate overhead costs
depending on the production characteristics of major producers in an area.

Preparing the product for shipment either in the field or at the packinghouse.

Materials used to protect the produce whether containerized or shipped in bulk.

Baskets used by harvest laborers to move commodities from the field to trucks, hauling
carts, or field packing units.

Represents only the cost of materials.

The packinghouse charge for using one of a variety of methods to remove field heat from
the crop. Typically this is a charge to the buyer and not included in F.O.B. values.

Represents only seed costs.

The packinghouse, market, sales organization, or dealer's charge for performing the service
of selling the crop.

Includes only the cost of fumigants applied.

Includes cost of seed and/or nursery charges.

Moving the crop to market.

Thin paper used to prevent damage to product caused by contact within containers. See also
Packing Materials.

The number of marketable units produced per acre. It is not based on data surveyed during
a given season. Rather it is an estimate for the current year based on historical data and
anticipated production.

Table 1. Bush Beans: Estimated production costs in the Dade County area, 1994-95.

Average per
Category Acre Bushel

Yield (30 lb. bushels) 185

--- Dollars -
OPERATING COSTS
Seed 91.00
Fertilizer and lime 120.00
Fungicide 106.82
Herbicide 2.54
Insecticide 106.55
Labor 193.95
Machinery 146.76
Interest 27.30
Miscellaneous
Well maintenance 15.00
Farm vehicles 13.89
Total operating cost 823.81
FIXED COST

Land rent 200.00
Machinery 60.30
Management 158.52
Overhead 211.36
Total fixed cost 630.19
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 1,454.00 7.86
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS

Mechanical harvest (incl. container) 740.00 4.00
Hydro-cool 120.25 0.65
Load 120.25 0.65
Selling 92.50 0.50
Total harvest and marketing cost 1,073.00 5.80
TOTAL COST 2,527.00 13.66

Table 2. Bush Beans: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the Dade County area,
1994-95.

Yield (bushels)

170
178
185
193
200

10.00

-740.00
-709.00
-677.00
-646.00
-614.00

12.00

-400.00
-354.00
-307.00
-261.00
-214.00

Dollars per bushel
14.00

-60.00
2.00
63.00
125.00
186.00

1 o

16.00

280.00
357.00
433.00
510.00
586.00

18.00

620.00
712.00
803.00
895.00
986.00

Table 3. Cabbage: Estimated production costs in the Hastings area, 1994-95.

Average per
Category Acre Crate

Yield (50 lb. crates) 425

--- Dollars -
OPERATING COSTS
Transplants 198.00
Fertilizer and lime 133.75
Fungicide 30.68
Herbicide 27.05
Insecticide 133.18
Nematicide 29.32
Labor 181.13
Machinery 90.84
Interest 42.46
Miscellaneous
Set transplants 108.00
Cover crop seed 6.40
Farm Vehicles 8.93
Total operating cost 989.73
FIXED COST
Land rent 100.00
Machinery 55.75
Overhead 220.60
Total fixed cost 376.35
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 1,366.08 3.21
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Cut and pack 382.50 0.90
Haul 42.50 0.10
Containers 552.50 1.30
Selling 170.00 0.40
Total harvest and marketing cost 1,147.50 2.70
TOTAL COST 2,513.58 5.91

Table 4. Cabbage: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the Hastings area, 1994-95.
Dollars per crate

Yield (crates) 5.00 5.75 6.50 7.25 8.00

375 -504.00 -222.00 59.00 340.00 621.00
400 -446.00 -146.00 154.00 454.00 754.00
425 -389.00 -70.00 249.00 568.00 886.00
450 -331.00 6.00 344.00 681.00 1,019.00
475 -274.00 83.00 439.00 795.00 1,151.00

Table 5. Celery: Estimated production costs in the central Florida area, 1994-95.

Average per
Category Acre Crate

Yield (60 lb. crate) 675

---- Dollars ----
OPERATING COSTS
Transplants 204.00
Fertilizer 86.64
Fungicide 176.69
Herbicide 21.29
Insecticide 195.99
Labor 179.25
Machinery 63.64
Interest 64.44
Miscellaneous
Hand weed 60.00
Crop insurance 65.00
Farm vehicles 20.83
Fertilizer loading 55.50
Aerial spraying 55.00
Ditch maintenance 8.00
Scouting 22.00
Total operating cost 1,278.27
FIXED COST
Land rent 150.00
Machinery 47.23
Management 282.21
Overhead 282.21
Total fixed cost 761.66
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 2,039.94 3.02
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Cut, pack and close 877.50 1.30
Haul 202.50 0.30
Containers 621.00 0.92
Miscellaneous expenses 236.25 0.35
Organization fee 67.50 0.10
Total harvest and marketing cost 2,004.75 2.97
TOTAL COST 4,044.69 5.99

Table 6. Celery: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the central Florida area,
1994-95.

Dollars per crate
Yield (crates) 5.00 6.00 7.00 8.00 9.00

625 -771.00 -146.00 479.00 1,104.00 1,729.00
650 -720.00 -70.00 580.00 1,230.00 1,880.00
675 -670.00 5.00 680.00 1,355.00 2,030.00
700 -619.00 81.00 781.00 1,481.00 2,181.00
725 -568.00 157.00 882.00 1,607.00 2,332.00

Table 7. Celery: Estimated production costs in the Everglades area, 1994-95.'

Average per
Category Acre Crate

Yield (60 lb. crate) 675

- Dollars -
OPERATING COSTS
Transplants 198.00
Fertilizer 227.17
Fungicide 163.75
Herbicide 59.00
Insecticide 342.18
Labor 195.22
Machinery 80.52
Interest 70.34
Miscellaneous
Land leveling 45.00
Hand weed 125.00
Contract fertilizer application 7.50
Aerial spraying 82.50
Scouting 22.00
Ditch maintenance 16.00
Farm vehicles 20.83
Total operating cost 1,655.02
FIXED COST
Land rent 150.00
Machinery 61.41
Management 269.41
Overhead 359.22
Total fixed cost 840.04
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 2,495.06 3.70
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Cut, pack and close 911.25 1.35
Haul 202.50 0.30
Containers 681.75 1.01
Miscellaneous expenses 236.25 0.35
Assessments 67.50 0.10
Total harvest and marketing cost 2,099.25 3.11
TOTAL COST 4,594.31 6.81
SData reflects celery production following celery production.

Table 8. Celery: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the Everglades area, 1994-95.
Dollars per crate

Yield (crates) 5.00 6.00 7.00 8.00 9.00

570 -1,418.00 -848.00 -278.00 292.00 862.00
600 -1,361.00 -761.00 -161.00 439.00 1,039.00
630 -1,304.00 -674.00 -44.00 586.00 1,216.00
660 -1,248.00 -588.00 72.00 732.00 1,392.00
690 -1,191.00 -501.00 189.00 879.00 1,569.00

Table 9. Sweet Corn: Estimated production costs in the central Florida area, 1994-95.

Average per
Category Acre Crate

Yield (42 lb. crate) 345

---- Dollars ----
OPERATING COSTS
Seed 65.00
Fertilizer 63.40
Fungicide 25.90
Herbicide 3.28
Insecticide 116.03
Labor 106.16
Machinery 42.30
Interest 18.28
Miscellaneous
Aerial spraying 61.25
Scouting 20.00
Farm vehicles 13.89
Total operating cost 535.48
FIXED COST
Land rent 150.00
Machinery 26.04
Management 103.99
Overhead 138.65
Total fixed cost 418.68
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 954.16 2.77
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Pick, pack and haul 431.25 1.25
Crates 431.25 1.25
Total harvest and marketing cost 862.50 2.50
TOTAL COST 1,816.66 5.27

Table 10. Sweet Corn: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the central Florida area,
1994-95.

Dollars per crate
Yield (crates) 4.00 5.00 6.00 7.00 8.00

295 -512.00 -217.00 78.00 373.00 668.00
320 -474.00 -154.00 166.00 486.00 806.00
345 -437.00 -92.00 253.00 598.00 943.00
370 -399.00 -29.00 341.00 711.00 1,081.00
395 -362.00 33.00 428.00 823.00 1,218.00

Table 11. Sweet Corn: Estimated production costs in the Dade County area, 1994-95.

Average per
Category Acre Crate

Yield (42 lb. crates) 300

- Dollars -
OPERATING COSTS
Seed 69.30
Fertilizer 259.70
Fungicide 26.52
Herbicide 34.08
Insecticide 217.01
Labor 198.71
Machinery 144.21
Interest 57.47
Miscellaneous
Scouting 20.00
Custom fertilizer application 10.00
Well maintenance 15.00
Farm vehicles 13.89
Total operating cost 1,065.90
FIXED COST
Land rent 525.00
Machinery 55.77
Management 238.38
Overhead 317.84
Total fixed cost 1,136.99
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 2,202.89 7.34
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Pick, pack and haul 414.00 1.38
Containers 360.00 1.20
Total harvest and marketing cost 774.00 2.58
TOTAL COST 2,976.89 9.92
* Selling and cooling costs charged to buyer.
Table 12. Sweet Corn: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the Dade County area,
1994-95.
Dollars per crate

Yield (crates) 5.50 7.00 8.50 10.00 11.50

250 -1,473.00 -1,098.00 -723.00 -348.00 27.00
275 -1,400.00 -987.00 -575.00 -162.00 250.00
300 -1,327.00 -877.00 -427.00 23.00 473.00
325 -1,254.00 -766.00 -279.00 209.00 696.00
350 -1,181.00 -656.00 -131.00 394.00 919.00

Table 13. Sweet Corn: Estimated production costs in the Everglades area, 1994-95.'

Average per
Category Acre Crate

Yield (42 lb. crate) 325

- Dollars ----
OPERATING COSTS
Seed 67.73
Fertilizer 74.05
Fungicide 78.34
Herbicide 4.37
Insecticide 162.07
Labor 66.14
Machinery 63.97
Interest 19.69
Miscellaneous
Level land 45.00
Contract fertilizer application 5.00
Contract rat bait application 2.50
Aerial spraying 48.45
Scouting 20.00
Clean ditches 8.00
Farm vehicles 13.89
Total operating cost 679.20
FIXED COST
Land rent 150.00
Machinery 34.79
Management 168.86
Overhead 168.86
Total fixed cost 522.51
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 1,201.71 3.70
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Pick, pack and haul 390.00 1.20
Crates 380.25 1.17
Total harvest and marketing cost 770.25 2.37
TOTAL COST 1,971.96 6.07
' Data reflects sweet corn production following sweet corn production.

Table 14. Sweet Corn: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the Everglades area,
1994-95.

Dollars per crate
Yield (crates) 4.00 5.00 6.00 7.00 8.00

275 -753.00 -478.00 -203.00 72.00 347.00
300 -713.00 -413.00 -113.00 187.00 487.00
325 -672.00 -347.00 -22.00 303.00 628.00
350 -631.00 -281.00 69.00 419.00 769.00
375 -590.00 -215.00 160.00 535.00 910.00

Table 15. Sweet Corn: Estimated production costs in the Palm Beach County area, 1994-95.

Average per
Category Acre Crate

Yield (42 lb. crate) 250

---Dollars -
OPERATING COSTS
Seed 63.00
Fertilizer 188.08
Fungicide 25.42
Herbicide 21.11
Insecticide 133.85
Labor 166.80
Machinery 237.98
Interest 32.72
Miscellaneous
Ditch maintenance 17.50
Hand Weed 24.68
Scouting 20.00
Aerial spraying 38.50
Contract fertilizer application 3.25
Crop insurance 25.00
Farm Vehicles 13.90
Total operating cost 1,011.80
FIXED COST
Land rent 500.00
Machinery 101.31
Management 237.06
Overhead 316.08
Total fixed cost 1,154.44
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 2,166.24 8.66
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Pick, pack and haul 312.50 1.25
Crates 292.50 1.17
Total harvest and marketing cost 605.00 2.42
TOTAL COST 2,771.24 11.08
* Selling and cooling costs charged to buyer.
Table 16. Sweet Corn: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations for the initial crop of a
double-crop system in the Palm Beach County area, 1994-95.
Dollars per crate

Yield (crates) 7.00 8.25 9.50 10.75 12.00

200 -1,250.00 -1,000.00 -750.00 -500.00 -250.00
225 -1,136.00 -854.00 -573.00 -292.00 -11.00
250 -1,021.00 -709.00 -396.00 -84.00 229.00
275 -907.00 -563.00 -219.00 125.00 468.00
300 -792.00 -417.00 -42.00 333.00 708.00

Table 17. Cucumbers:

Estimated production costs for a following crop in a double-crop system for the southwest
Florida area, 1994-95.

Average per
Category Acre Bushel

Yield (55 lb. bushels) 600

---- Dollars ----
OPERATING COSTS
Seed 73.00
Fertilizer and lime 220.00
Fungicide 125.64
Herbicide 28.15
Insecticide 144.39
Labor 96.73
Machinery 86.94
Interest 32.54
Miscellaneous
Clean ditches 17.00
Plastic disposal 156.82a
Bees 30.00
Farm vehicles 11.11
Total operating cost 1,022.15
FIXED COST

Machinery 36.50
Management 153.92
Overhead 205.22
Total fixed cost 395.64
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 1,417.79b 2.36b

HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS

Pick and haul 1,080.00 1.80
Pack 1,110.00 1.85
Containers 456.00 0.76
Selling 150.00 0.25
Total harvest and marketing cost 2,796.00 4.66
TOTAL COST 4,213.79 7.02

a Cost attributed to second crop as a result of double-crop production practices following Tomatoes.
b Costs exclude field and bed preparation, plastic mulch and fumigant.

Table 18. Cucumbers: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations for a following crop in a
double-crop system for the southwest Florida area, 1994-95.

Dollars per bushel
Yield (bushels) 6.00 7.75 9.50 11.25 13.00

400 -882.00 -182.00 518.00 1,218.00 1,918.00
500 -748.00 127.00 1,002.00 1,877.00 2,752.00
600 -614.00 436.00 1,486.00 2,536.00 3,586.00
700 -480.00 745.00 1,970.00 3,195.00 4,420.00
800 -346.00 1,054.00 2,454.00 3,854.00 5,254.00

Table 19. Eggplant: Estimated production costs in the Palm Beach County area, 1994-95.

Average per
Category Acrea Bushel
Yield (33 lb. bushels) 1,200

OPERATING COSTS
Transplants
Fertilizer and lime
Fumigant
Fungicide
Herbicide
Insecticide
Labor
Machinery
Interest
Miscellaneous
Replacement stakes
Place and drive stakes
String
Tie plants
Plastic mulch
Ditch maintenance
Scouting
Laser level
Remove string and stakes
Plastic disposal
Farm vehicles

Total operating cost
FIXED COST
Land rent
Machinery
Management
Overhead

Total fixed cost

TOTAL PREHARVEST COST

HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Pick, pack and haul
Containers
Selling
Total harvest and marketing cost

- Dollars ----
200.00
378.98
356.00
118.12
33.86
422.14
387.90
211.26
122.08

112.50
110.35
35.20
162.62
378.33
75.00
20.00
50.00
126.32
80.59
34.72

3,415.99

900.00
135.97
865.97
1,082.47

2,984.41

6,400.40

1,404.00
960.00
600.00

2,964.00

TOTAL COST 9,364.40 7.80
a 7,260 linear bed feet
Table 20. Eggplant: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the Palm Beach County
area, 1994-95.
Dollars per bushel
Yield (bushels) 6.00 7.00 8.00 9.00 10.00

1,000 -2,870.00 -1,870.00 -870.00 130.00 1,130.00
1,125 -2,429.00 -1,304.00 -179.00 946.00 2,071.00
1,250 -1,988.00 -738.00 512.00 1,762.00 3,012.00
1,375 -1,547.00 -172.00 1,203.00 2,578.00 3,953.00
1,500 -1,105.00 395.00 1,895.00 3,395.00 4,895.00

5.33

1.17
0.80
0.50
2.47

Table 21. Eggplant: estimated po t costs for the initial crop of a double-crop system in the Palm Beach
County area, T994-95.

Average per
Category Acre" Bushel
Yield (33 lb. bushels) 1,200

OPERATING COSTS - Dollars -
Transplants 200.00
Fertilizer and lime 378.98
Fumigant 356.00
Fungicide 118.12
Herbicide 33.86
Insecticide 422.14
Labor 387.90
Machinery 211.26
Interest 119.74
Miscellaneous
Replacement stakes 112.50
Place and drive stakes 110.35
String 35.20
Tie plants 162.62
Plastic mulch 378.33
Ditch maintenance 75.00
Scouting 20.00
Laser level 50.00
Remove string and stakes 126.32
Farm vehicles 34.72
Total operating cost 3,333.06
FIXED COST
Land rent 900.00
Machinery 135.97
Management 849.86
Overhead 1,062.32
Total fixed cost 2,948.15
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 6,281.20 5.23
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Pick, pack and haul 1,404.00 1.17
Containers 960.00 0.80
Selling 600.00 0.50
Total harvest and marketing cost 2,964.00 2.47
TOTAL COST 9,245.20 7.70
a 7,260 linear bed feet
Table 22. Eggplant: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations for the initial crop of a
double-crop system in the Palm Beach County area, 1994-95.
Dollars per bushel
Yield (bushels) 6.00 7.00 8.00 9.00 10.00

1,000 -2,751.00 -1,751.00 -751.00 249.00 1,249.00
1,125 -2,310.00 -1,185.00 -60.00 1,065.00 2,190.00
1,250 -1,869.00 -619.00 631.00 1,881.00 3,131.00
1,375 -1,427.00 -52.00 1,323.00 2,698.00 4,073.00
1,500 -986.00 514.00 2,014.00 3,514.00 5,014.00

Table 23. Green Peppers: Estimated production costs in the Palm Beach County area, 1994-95.

Average per
Category Acre" Bushel
Yield (28 lb. bushels) 1000

OPERATING COSTS
Transplants
Fertilizer and lime
Fumigant
Fungicide
Herbicide
Insecticide
Labor
Machinery
Interest
Miscellaneous
Ditch maintenance
Level land
Plastic mulch
Place and drive stakes
Plastic string
Replacement stakes
Tie plants
Hand weed
Remove string and stakes
Plastic disposal
Scouting
Farm vehicles
Total operating cost
FIXED COST
Land rent
Machinery
Management
Overhead
Total fixed cost

TOTAL PREHARVEST COST

HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Harvest, pack and haul
Containers
Selling
Total harvest and marketing cost

- Dollars -
700.00
260.00
356.00
169.14
85.40
426.49
303.89
219.40
128.47
100.00
50.00
378.33
61.71
27.50
72.00
26.14
24.68
126.32
80.59
25.00
20.83
3,641.91

900.00
115.83
905.85
1,132.32
3,054.00

6,695.91

1,600.00
900.00
500.00
3,000.00

TOTAL COST 9,695.91 9.70

a 7,260 linear bed feet
b cost reflects in-field packing.
Table 24. Green Peppers: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the Palm
Beach County area, 1994-95.
Dollars per bushel
Yield (bushels) 8.00 9.50 11.00 12.50 14.00

600 -3,696.00 -2,796.00 -1,896.00 -996.00 -96.00
800 -2,696.00 -1,496.00 -296.00 904.00 2,104.00
1,000 -1,696.00 -196.00 1,304.00 2,804.00 4,304.00
1,200 -696.00 1,104.00 2,904.00 4,704.00 6,504.00
1,400 304.00 2,404.00 4,504.00 6,604.00 8,704.00

6.70

1.60b
0.90
0.50
3.00

Table 25. Green Peppers:

Estimated production costs for the initial crop of a double-crop system in the
Palm Beach County area, 1994-95.

Average per
Category Acre a Bushel

Yield (28 lb. bushels) 1000

OPERATING COSTS
Transplants
Fertilizer and lime
Fumigant
Fungicide
Herbicide
Insecticide
Labor
Machinery
Interest
Miscellaneous
Ditch maintenance
Level land
Plastic mulch
Place and drive stakes
Plastic string
Replacement stakes
Tie plants
Hand weed
Remove string and stakes
Scouting
Farm vehicles
Total operating cost
FIXED COST
Land rent
Machinery
Management
Overhead

Total fixed cost

TOTAL PREHARVEST COST

HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Harvest, pack and haul
Containers
Selling

Total harvest and marketing cost

TOTAL COST

- Dollars ----
700.00
260.00
356.00
169.14
85.40
426.49
303.89
219.40
116.09
100.00
50.00
378.33
61.71
27.50
72.00
26.14
24.68
126.32
25.00
20.83
3,558.98

900.00
115.83
889.74
1,112.17

3,017.74

6,576.72

1,600.00
900.00
500.00

3,000.00

9,576.72

a 7,260 linear bed feet
b cost reflects in-field packing.
Table 26. Green Peppers: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations for the initial
crop of a double-crop system in the Palm Beach County area, 1994-95.
Dollars per bushel
Yield (bushels) 8.00 9.50 11.00 12.50 14.00

600 -3,577.00 -2,677.00 -1,777.00 -877.00 23.00
800 -2,577.00 -1,377.00 -177.00 1,023.00 2,223.00
1,000 -1,577.00 -77.00 1,423.00 2,923.00 4,423.00
1,200 -577.00 1,223.00 3,023.00 4,823.00 6,623.00
1,400 423.00 1,523.00 4,623.00 6,723.00 8,823.00

6.58

1.60b
0.90
0.50
3.00

9.58

Table 27. Green Peppers: Estimated production costs in the southwest Florida area, 1994-95.

Average per
Category Acrea Bushel

Yield (28 lb. bushels) 1,000

- Dollars -

OPERATING COSTS
Transplants
Fertilzer and lime
Fumigant
Fungicide
Herbicide
Insecticide
Labor
Machinery
Interest
Miscellaneous
Level land
Plastic mulch
Remove and dispose of plastic
Scouting
Farm vehicles

Total operating cost
FIXED COST
Land rent
Machinery
Management
Overhead
Total fixed cost
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS

Harvest, pack and haul
Containers
Selling
Total harvest and marketing cost

880.00
365.50
318.00
180.90
28.64
429.44
316.89
448.81
190.12
145.00
234.00
156.82
35.00
19.45

3,774.58

450.00
228.58
852.61
1,065.76
2,596.95
6,371.53

2,810.00
760.00
430.00
4,000.00

6.37

2.81
0.76
0.43
4.00
1n Of l

TOTAL COST iu,3 Ii.3 1 UV.

a 7,260 linear bed feet
Table 28. Green Peppers: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the southwest
Florida area, 1994-95.
Dollars per bushel

Yield (bushels) 8.00 9.50 11.00 12.50 14.00

600 -3,972.00 -3,072.00 -2,172.00 -1,272.00 -372.00
800 -3,172.00 -1,972.00 -772.00 428.00 1,628.00
1,000 -2,372.00 -872.00 628.00 2,128.00 3,628.00
1,200 -1,572.00 228.00 2,028.00 3,828.00 5,628.00
1,400 -772.00 1,328.00 3,428.00 5,528.00 7,628.00

Table 29. Green Peppers:

Estimated production costs for the
southwest Florida area, 1994-95.

initial crop of a double-crop system in the

Average per
Category Acre" Bushel

Yield (28 lb. bushels) 1,000

---- Dollars ----
OPERATING COSTS
Transplants 880.00
Fertilizer and lime 365.50
Fumigant 344.00
Fungicide 180.90
Herbicide 28.64
Insecticide 429.44
Labor 316.89
Machinery 448.81
Interest 182.73
Miscellaneous
Level land 145.00
Plastic mulch 234.00
Scouting 35.00
Farm vehicles 19.45
Total operating cost 3,610.38
FIXED COST
Land rent 450.00
Machinery 228.58
Management 821.25
Overhead 1,026.56
Total fixed cost 2,526.38
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 6,136.76 6.14
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Harvest, pack and haul 2,810.00 2.81
Containers 760.00 0.76
Selling 430.00 0.43
Total harvest and marketing cost 4,000.00 4.00
TOTAL COST 10,136.76 10.14

a 7,260 linear bed feet
Table 30. Green Peppers: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations for the initial
crop of a double-crop system in the southwest Florida area, 1994-95.

Dollars per bushel
Yield (bushels) 8.00 9.50 11.00 12.50 14.00

600 -3,737.00 -2,837.00 -1,937.00 -1,037.00 -137.00
800 -2,937.00 -1,737.00 -537.00 663.00 1,863.00
1,000 -2,137.00 -637.00 863.00 2,363.00 3,863.00
1,200 -1,337.00 463.00 2,263.00 4,063.00 5,863.00
1,400 -537.00 1,563.00 3,663.00 5,763.00 7,863.00

Table 31. Chip Potatoes: Estimated production costs in the Hastings area, 1994-95.

Average per
Category Acre Cwt.

Yield (cwts.) 225

----Dollars----

OPERATING COSTS
Seed
Fertilizer
Fumigant
Fungicide
Herbicide
Insecticide
Nematicide
Labor
Machinery
Interest
Miscellaneous
Aerial spraying
Cover crop seed
Crop insurance
Farm vehicles

Total operating cost
FIXED COST
Land rent
Machinery
Overhead
Total fixed cost
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Dig and haul
Grading
Total harvest and marketing cost
TOTAL COST

308.62
157.06
59.64
110.94
18.77
41.77
36.90
205.64
113.06
71.94
13.75
6.40
21.00
22.17

1,187.66

100.00
77.51
258.64
436.15

1,623.81

135.00
67.50
202.50
1,826.31

0.60
0.30
0.90
8.12

Table 32. Chip Potatoes: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the Hastings area,
1994-95.

Dollars per cwt

Yield (cwts.) 6.00 8.00 10.00 12.00 14.00

175 -731.00 -381.00 -31.00 319.00 669.00
200 -604.00 -204.00 196.00 596.00 996.00
225 -476.00 -26.00 424.00 874.00 1,324.00
250 -349.00 151.00 651.00 1,151.00 1,651.00
275 -221.00 329.00 879.00 1,429.00 1,979.00

Table 33. Table Potatoes: Estimated production costs in the Dade County area, 1994-95.

Average per
Category Acre Cwts.

Yield (cwts.) 200

- Dollars ----

OPERATING COSTS

Seed
Fertilizer and lime
Fungicide
Herbicide
Insecticide
Labor
Machinery
Interest
Miscellaneous
Well maintenance
Cover crop seed
Contract seed hauling
Farm vehicles
Total operating cost
FIXED COST
Land rent
Machinery
Management
Overhead

Total fixed cost
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Dig and haul
Grade
Selling
Sacks
Total harvest and marketing cost
TOTAL COST

381.44
172.60
63.61
28.92
111.15
68.32
85.38
61.69
15.00
11.00
24.15
34.72
1,057.99

525.00
67.22
238.28
317.70

1,148.20
2,206.19

120.00
280.00
120.00
152.00
672.00
2,878.19

11.03

0.60
1.40
0.60
0.76
3.36
14.39

Table 34. Table Potatoes: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the Dade
County area, 1994-95.

Dollars per sack

Yield (cwts) 8.00 10.50 13.00 15.50 18.00

150 -1,510.00 -1,135.00 -760.00 -385.00 -10.00
175 -1,394.00 -957.00 -519.00 -82.00 356.00
200 -1,278.00 -778.00 -278.00 222.00 722.00
225 -1,162.00 -600.00 -37.00 525.00 1,088.00
250 -1,046.00 -421.00 204.00 829.00 1,454.00

Table 35. Table Potatoes: Estimated production costs in the Hastings area, 1994-95.

Average per
Category Acre Cwt.

Yield (cwts.) 200

- Dollars -

OPERATING COSTS
Seed
Fertilizer
Fumigant
Fungicide
Herbicide
Insecticide
Nematicide
Labor
Machinery
Interest
Miscellaneous
Aerial spraying
Cover crop seed
Crop insurance
Farm vehicles
Total operating cost
FIXED COST
Land rent
Machinery
Overhead

Total fixed cost
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Dig and haul
Grading
Sacks
Selling
Total harvest and marketing cost
TOTAL COST

250.32
157.06
59.64
103.15
38.10
32.18
91.84
205.64
113.07
71.86
13.75
6.40
21.00
22.17
1,186.17

100.00
77.89
258.44
436.33
1,622.50

120.00
280.00
152.00
120.00
672.00
2,294.50

0.60
1.40
0.76
0.60
3.36
11.47

Table 36. Table Potatoes: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the Hastings
area, 1994-95.

Dollars per cwt

Yield ( cwts) 6.00 9.00 12.00 15.00 18.00

150 -1,226.00 -777.00 -327.00 124.00 574.00
175 -1,160.00 -636.00 -111.00 415.00 940.00
200 -1,094.00 -495.00 106.00 706.00 1,306.00
225 -1,028.00 -354.00 322.00 997.00 1,672.00
250 -962.00 -213.00 538.00 1,288.00 2,038.00

Table 37. Summer Squash: Estimated production costs in the Dade County area, 1994-95.

Average per
Category Acre Bushel

Yield (42 lb. bushels) 275

---- Dollars ----
OPERATING COSTS
Seed 155.50
Fertilizer and lime 93.75
Fungicide 135.13
Insecticide 68.88
Labor 154.53
Machinery 123.50
Interest 36.25
Miscellaneous
Well maintenance 15.00
Farm vehicles 20.83
Total operating cost 803.37
FIXED COST
Land rent 200.00
Machinery 55.62
Management 153.41
Overhead 204.55
Total fixed cost 613.57
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 1,416.94 6.06
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Pick and haul 536.25 1.95
Grade and Pack 508.75 1.85
Load squash 178.75 0.65
Containers 343.75 1.25
Selling 137.50 0.50
Total harvest and marketing cost 1,705.00 6.20
TOTAL COST 3,121.94 11.35

Table 38. Summer Squash: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the Dade
County area, 1994-95.

Dollars per bushel
Yield (bushels) 9.50 10.75 12.00 13.25 14.50

225 -674.00 -393.00 -112.00 169.00 451.00
250 -592.00 -279.00 33.00 346.00 658.00
275 -509.00 -166.00 178.00 522.00 866.00
300 -427.00 -52.00 323.00 698.00 1,073.00
325 -344.00 62.00 468.00 874.00 1,281.00

Table 39. Strawberries: Estimated production costs in the Plant City area, 1994-95.

Average per
Category Acre' Flat

Yield (12 lb. flats) 2,200

- Dollars -
OPERATING COSTS
Transplants 1,500.00
Fertilizer 114.50
Fumigant 436.80
Fungicide 503.80
Herbicide 104.70
Insecticide 542.93
Labor 209.76
Machinery 193.53
Interest 316.84
Miscellaneous
Plastic mulch 265.50
Remove and dispose plastic mulch 55.78
Cut runners Hoe and Weed 120.00
Set transplants 220.00
Cover crop seed 35.00
Irrigation tube 327.18
Farm vehicles 70.92
Total operating cost 5,017.25
FIXED COST
Land rent 1,200.00
Machinery 155.59
Overhead 908.40
Total fixed cost 2,263.99
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 7,281.24 3.31
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Harvest 3,234.00 1.47
Pack, load and haul 968.00 0.44
Supervision 330.00 0.15
Boxes and cups 2,090.00 0.95
Sell 1,540.00 0.70b
Total harvest and marketing cost 8,162.00 3.71
TOTAL COST 15,443.24 7.02
a 11,100 linear bed feet
b Producer bears cost of selling berries. Generally 10 percent of FOB price. An average of $7.00 FOB is used in the budget.
Table 40. Strawberries: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the Plant City area,
1994-95.
Dollars per flat

Yield (flats) 5.00 7.00 9.00 11.00 13.00

1,400 -4,959.00 -1,359.00 2,241.00 5,841.00 9,441.00
1,600 -4,701.00 -701.00 3,299.00 7,299.00 11,299.00
1,800 -4,443.00 -43.00 4,357.00 8,757.00 13,157.00
2,000 -4,185.00 615.00 5,415.00 10,215.00 15,015.00
2,200 -3,927.00 1,273.00 6,473.00 11,673.00 16,873.00

Table 41. Tomatoes: Estimated production costs in the Dade County area, 1994-95.

Average per
Category Acre" Carton

Yield (25 lb. cartons) 1,400

OPERATING COSTS
Seed
Fertilizer
Fumigant
Fungicide
Herbicide
Insecticide
Labor
Machinery
Interest
Miscellaneous
Frost protection
Plastic mulch
Plastic string
Stake depreciation and maintenance
Plastic disposal
Tie plants
Well maintenance
Scouting
Farm vehicles
Total operating cost
FIXED COST
Land rent
Machinery
Management
Overhead
Total fixed cost
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Harvest and haul
Packing
Containers
Selling
Organization fees
Total harvest and marketing cost
TOTAL COST
a 7,260 linear bed feet
Table 42. Tomatoes: Estimated net re
1994-95.

---- Dollars ----

201.70
290.00
400.50
204.34
87.49
328.08
373.79
221.70
142.47
100.00
294.00
82.50
128.00
75.00
130.68
15.00
35.00
20.83
3,131.08

525.00
110.10
724.74
905.93

2,265.77
5,396.86

1,050.00
2,100.00
1,064.00
210.00
70.00
4,494.00
9,890.86

turns for various price and yield combinations in the Dade County area,

Yield (cartons)

1,200
1,300
1,400
1,500
1,600

6.00

-2,049.00
-1,770.00
-1,491.00
-1,212.00
-933.00

7.00

-849.00
-470.00
-91.00
288.00
667.00

Dollars per carton
8.00

351.00
830.00
1,309.00
1,788.00
2,267.00

3.85

0.75
1.50
0.76
0.15
0.05
3.21
7.06

9.00

1,551.00
2,130.00
2,709.00
3,288.00
3,867.00

10.00

2,751.00
3,430.00
4,109.00
4,788.00
5,467.00

Table 43. Fall Tomatoes: Estimated production costs in the Manatee/Ruskin area, 1994-95.

Average per
Category Acrea Carton

Yield (25 lb. cartons) 1,250

OPERATING COSTS
Transplants
Fertilizer and lime
Fumigant
Fungicide
Herbicide
Insecticide
Labor
Machinery
Interest
Miscellaneous
Plastic mulch
Plastic string
Replacement stakes
Scouting
Farm vehicles
Tie plants
Remove string and stakes
Remove and dispose of plastic
Total operating cost
FIXED COST
Land rent
Machinery
Management
Overhead

Total fixed cost
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Harvest and haul
Packing
Containers
Selling
Organization fee

Total harvest and marketing cost
TOTAL COST
a 7,260 linear bed feet
Table 44. Fall Tomatoes: Estima

Yield (cartons)

900
1,075
1,250
1,425
1,600

6.50

-3,466.00
-2,954.00
-2,441.00
-1,928.00
-1,415.00

- Dollars -

224.00
274.22
500.00
317.59
97.48
485.21
403.95
311.14
190.75
294.00
110.00
48.00
35.00
16.67
101.64
123.42
75.00

3,608.08

400.00
260.28
815.52
1,019.40

2,495.20
6,103.28

962.50
2,312.50
937.50
187.50
62.50
4,462.50
10,565.78

ted net returns for various price and

Manatee/Ruskin area, 1994-93.
Dollars per carton

7.38 8.25 9.:

-2,679.00 -1,891.00 -1,104.
-2,013.00 -1,072.00 -132.(
-1,347.00 -253.00 840.(
-681.00 566.00 1,813.(
-15.00 1,385.00 2,785.(

4.88

0.77
1.85
0.75
0.15
0.05
3.57
8.45

yield combinations in the

13

)0
30
30

10.00

-316.00
809.00
1,934.00
3,059.00
4,185.00

Table 45. Fall Tomatoes:

Estimated production costs for the proceeding crop in a double-crop system for
the Manatee/Ruskin area, 1994-95.

Average per
Category Acrea Carton

Yield (25 lb. cartons) 1,250

OPERATING COSTS
Transplants
Fertilizer and lime
Fumigant
Fungicide
Herbicide
Insecticide
Labor
Machinery
Interest
Miscellaneous
Plastic mulch
Plastic string
Replacement stakes
Scouting
Farm vehicles
Tie plants
Remove string and stakes
Total operating cost
FIXED COST
Land rent
Machinery
Management
Overhead
Total fixed cost
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Harvest and haul
Packing
Containers
Selling
Orgamzation fee

Total harvest and marketing cost
TOTAL COST
a 7,260 linear bed feet
Table 46. Fall Tomatoes: Estima

Yield (cartons)

900
1,075
1,250
1,425
1,600

6.50

-3,324.00
-2,811.00
-2,298.00
-1,785.00
-1,273.00

- Dollars -

224.00
274.22
500.00
317.60
97.47
485.22
403.95
311.14
156.87
294.00
110.00
48.00
35.00
16.67
101.64
123.42
3,499.19

400.00
260.28
800.52
1,000.65
2,461.45
5,960.64

962.50
2,312.50
937.50
187.50
62.50

4,462.50
10,423.14

4.77

0.77
1.85
0.75
0.15
0.05
3.57
8.34

ted net returns for various price and yield combinations for the proceeding

crop in a double-crop system for the Manatee/Ruskin area, 1994-95.

Dollars per carton
7.38 8.25 9.13 10.00

-2,536.00 -1,749.00 -961.00 -174.00
-1,870.00 -930.00 11.00 952.00
-1,204.00 -111.00 983.00 2,077.00
-539.00 708.00 1,955.00 3,202.00
127.00 1,527.00 2,927.00 4,327.00

Table 47. Spring Tomatoes: Estimated production costs in the Manatee/Ruskin area, 1994-95.

Average per
Category Acrea Carton

Yield (25 lb. cartons) 1,400

----Dollars----
OPERATING COSTS
Transplants 224.00
Fertilizer and lime 274.22
Fumigant 500.00
Fungicide 199.57
Herbicide 54.42
Insecticide 510.61
Labor 363.55
Machinery 262.73
Interest 133.44
Miscellaneous
Plastic mulch 195.00
Plastic string 110.00
Replacement stakes 48.00
Tie plants 101.64
Remove string and stakes 123.42
Remove and dispose of plastic 75.00
Scouting 35.00
Farm vehicles 16.67
Total operating cost 3,227.27
FIXED COST
Land rent 400.00
Machinery 217.00
Management 742.17
Overhead 927.71
Total fixed cost 2,286.87
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 5,514.15 3.94
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Harvest and haul 980.00 0.70
Packing 2,590.00 1.85
Containers 1,050.00 0.75
Selling 210.00 0.15
Orgamzation fee 70.00 0.05
Total harvest and marketing cost 4,900.00 3.50
TOTAL COST 10,414.15 7.44

a 7,260 linear bed feet
Table 48. Spring Tomatoes: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the
Manatee/Ruskin area, 1994-95.

Dollars per carton
Yield (cartons) 6.50 7.38 8.25 9.13 10.00

900 -2,814.00 -2,027.00 -1,239.00 -452.00 336.00
1,075 -2,289.00 -1,349.00 -408.00 533.00 1,473.00
1,250 -1,764.00 -670.00 423.00 1,517.00 2,611.00
1,425 -1,239.00 8.00 1,255.00 2,501.00 3,748.00
1,600 -714.00 686.00 2,086.00 3,486.00 4,886.00

Table 49. Spring Tomatoes: Estimated production costs in the north Florida area, 1994-95.

Average per
Category Acre" Carton
Yield (25 lb. cartons) 1,600

OPERATING COSTS
Transplants
Fertilizer and lime
Fumigant
Fungicide
Herbicide
Insecticide
Labor
Machinery
Interest
Miscellaneous
Plastic mulch
Plastic string
Replacement stakes
Remove string and stakes
Remove and dispose of plastic
Trickle tube
Miscellaneous irrigation materials
Trickle tube cleamng/maintenance
Scouting
Tie plants
Prune plants
Set and drive stakes
General farm labor
Crop insurance
Farm vehicles
Total operating cost
FIXED COST
Land rent
Machinery
Management
Overhead
Total fixed cost
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Harvest and haul
Packing
Containers
Selling
Assessments
Total harvest and marketing cost
TOTAL COST

---- Dollars -
315.00
311.00
373.65
358.24
56.87
317.94
345.36
210.42
169.62

296.94
27.50
112.50
123.42
100.00
290.40
100.00
7.00
44.00
130.68
32.67
98.01
75.00
230.00
16.67
4,142.91

350.00
130.70
445.40
668.10
1,594.19
5,737.10

1,232.00
2,960.00
1,200.00
240.00
80.00
5,712.00
11,449.10

a 7,260 linear bed feet
Table 50. Tomatoes: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the north Florida area,
1994-95.

Dollars per carton
Yield (cartons) 4.50 6.25 8.00 9.75 11.50

1,400 -4,435.00 -1,985.00 465.00 2,915.00 5,365.00
1,500 -4,342.00 -1,717.00 908.00 3,533.00 6,158.00
1,600 -4,249.00 -1,449.00 1,351.00 4,151.00 6,951.00
1,700 -4,156.00 -1,181.00 1,794.00 4,769.00 7,744.00
1,800 -4,063.00 -913.00 2,237.00 5,387.00 8,537.00

3.59

0.77
1.85
0.75
0.15
0.05
3.57
7.16

Table 51. Tomatoes: Estimated production costs in the southwest Florida area, 1994-95.
Average per
Category Acrea Carton

Yield (25 lb. cartons) 1,400
- Dollars -
OPERATING COSTS
Transplants 336.00
Fertilizer and lime 259.00
Fumigant 344.00
Fungicide 258.93
Herbicide 60.43
Insecticide 438.81
Labor 244.16
Machinery 391.86
Interest 171.39
Miscellaneous
Level land 145.00
Plastic mulch 234.00
Cross ditch 27.20
Trickle tube 254.10
Plastic string 37.50
Replacement stakes 105.00
Remove string and stakes 123.42
Remove and dispose of plastic 156.82
Tie plants 145.20
Prune plants 78.41
Set and drive stakes 81.31
Scouting 39.00
Farm vehicles 16.67
Total operating cost 3,948.19
FIXED COST
Land rent 450.00
Machinery 174.02
Management 880.16
Overhead 1,100.21
Total fixed cost 2,604.39
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 6,552.58 4.68
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Harvest and haul 1,078.00 0.77
Packing 2,590.00 1.85
Containers 1,050.00 0.75
Selling 210.00 0.15
Assessments 70.00 0.05
Total harvest and marketing cost 4,998.00 3.57
TOTAL COST 11,550.58 8.25
a 7,260 linear bed feet
Table 52. Tomatoes: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the southwest Florida
area, 1994-95.
Dollars per carton
Yield (cartons) 6.00 7.00 8.00 9.00 10.00

1,000 -4,123.00 -3,123.00 -2,123.00 -1,123.00 -123.00
1,200 -3,637.00 -2,437.00 -1,237.00 -37.00 1,163.00
1,400 -3,151.00 -1,751.00 -351.00 1,049.00 2,449.00
1,600 -2,665.00 -1,065.00 535.00 2,135.00 3,735.00
1,800 -2,179.00 -379.00 1,421.00 3,221.00 5,021.00

Table 53. Tomatoes: Estimated production costs for the initial crop of a double-crop system in the southwest
Florida area, 1994-95.
Average per
Category Acre' Carton

Yield (25 lb. cartons) 1,400
----Dollars----
OPERATING COSTS
Transplants 336.00
Fertilizer and lime 259.00
Fumigant 344.00
Fungicide 258.93
Herbicide 60.43
Insecticide 438.81
Labor 244.16
Machinery 391.86
Interest 165.03
Miscellaneous
Level land 145.00
Plastic mulch 234.00
Cross ditch 27.20
Trickle tube 254.10
Plastic string 37.50
Replacement stakes 105.00
Remove string and stakes 123.42
Tie plants 145.20
Prune plants 78.41
Set and drive stakes 81.31
Scouting 39.00
Farm vehicles 16.67
Total operating cost 3,785.02
FIXED COST
Land rent 450.00
Machinery 174.02
Management 848.80
Overhead 1,061.00
Total fixed cost 2,533.82
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 6,318.84 4.51
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Harvest and haul 1,078.00 0.77
Packing 2,590.00 1.85
Containers 1,050.00 0.75
Selling 210.00 0.15
Assessments 70.00 0.05
Total harvest and marketing cost 4,998.00 3.57
TOTAL COST 11,316.84 8.08
a 7,260 linear bed feet
Table 54. Tomatoes: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations for the initial crop of a
double-crop system in the southwest Florida area, 1994-95.

Dollars per carton
Yield (cartons) 6.00 7.00 8.00 9.00 10.00

1,000 -3,889.00 -2,889.00 -1,889.00 -889.00 111.00
1,200 -3,403.00 -2,203.00 -1,003.00 197.00 1,397.00
1,400 -2,917.00 -1,517.00 -117.00 1,283.00 3,683.00
1,600 -2,431.00 -831.00 769.00 2,369.00 3,969.00
1,800 -1,945.00 -145.00 1,655.00 3,455.00 5,255.00

Table 55. Watermelons: Estimated production costs in the Alachua/Levy County area, 1994-95.

Average per
Category Acre Cwt.

Yield (cwts.) 300

---- Dollars----
OPERATING COSTS
Seed 25.18
Fertilizer and lime 133.00
Fungicide 104.78
Labor 71.41
Machinery 70.90
Interest 24.51
Miscellaneous
Aerial spraying 21.00
Bee rental 4.00
Farm vehicles 16.67
Total operating cost 471.44
FIXED COST
Land rent 50.00
Machinery 43.81
Overhead 54.07
Total fixed cost 147.88
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 619.33 2.06
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Harvest and pack 375.00 1.25
Packing material 9.00 0.03
Selling 300.00 1.00
Marketing and Promotion Assessment 6.00 0.02
Total harvest and marketing cost 690.00 2.30
TOTAL COST 1,309.33 4.36

Table 56. Watermelons: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the Alachua/Levy
County area, 1994-95.
Dollars per cwt.

Yield (cwts.) 4.00 4.75 5.50 6.25 7.00

250 -194.00 -7.00 181.00 368.00 556.00
275 -152.00 54.00 261.00 467.00 673.00
300 -109.00 116.00 341.00 566.00 791.00
325 -67.00 177.00 421.00 664.00 908.00
350 -24.00 238.00 501.00 763.00 1,026.00

Table 57. Watermelons: Estimated production costs for the following crop of a double-crop system in the
Manatee/Ruskin area, 1994-95.

Average per
Category Acre Cwt.

Yield (cwts.) 320

---- Dollars ----
OPERATING COSTS
Seed 24.44
Fertilizer and lime 105.00
Fungicide 66.20
Herbicide 32.28
Insecticide 65.70
Labor 265.78
Machinery 96.58
Interest 32.54
Miscellaneous
Scouting 25.00
Bee rental 3.60
Farm vehicles 16.67
Plastic removal and disposal 75.00"
Total operating cost 808.79
FIXED COST

Machinery 47.62
Management 123.58
Overhead 164.77
Total fixed cost 335.98
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 1,144.77b 3.58b
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS

Harvest and pack 480.00 1.50
Packing material 9.60 0.03
Selling 320.00 1.00
Marketing and Promotion Assessment 6.40 0.02
Total harvest and marketing cost 816.00 2.55
TOTAL COST 1,960.77 6.13
a Cost attributed to second crop as a result of double-crop production practices following Tomatoes.
b Costs exclude field and bed preparation, plastic mulch and fumigant.

Table 58. Watermelons: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations for the following crop of
a double-crop system in the Manatee/ Ruskin area, 1994-95.

Dollars per cwt.
Yield (cwts.) 5.00 6.00 7.00 8.00 9.00

280 -459.00 -179.00 101.00 381.00 661.00
300 -410.00 -110.00 190.00 490.00 790.00
320 -361.00 -41.00 279.00 599.00 919.00
340 -312.00 28.00 368.00 708.00 1,048.00
360 -263.00 97.00 457.00 817.00 1,177.00

Table 59. Watermelons: Estimated production costs in the north Florida area, 1994-95.

Average per
Category Acre Cwt.

Yield (cwts.) 325

----Dollars----
OPERATING COSTS
Seed 65.06
Fertilizer and lime 105.00
Fumigant 318.00
Fungicide 86.20
Insecticide 8.98
Labor 109.95
Machinery 116.21
Interest 56.93
Miscellaneous
Plastic mulch 127.16
Frost protection 101.10
Well 50.00
Farm vehicles 16.67
Total operating cost 1,161.25
FIXED COST
Land rent 50.00
Machinery 76.76
Overhead 123.11
Total fixed cost 249.87
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 1,411.12 4.34
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Harvest and pack 406.25 1.25
Packing materials 9.75 0.03
Selling 325.00 1.00
Marketing and Promotion Assessment 6.50 0.02
Total harvest and marketing cost 747.50 2.30
TOTAL COST 2,158.62 6.64
a Production using plastic mulch and overhead irrigation.

Table 60. Watermelons: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations in the north Florida area,
1994-95.
Dollars per cwt.

Yield (cwts.) 4.00 4.75 5.50 6.25 7.00

275 -944.00 -737.00 -531.00 -325.00 -119.00
300 -901.00 -676.00 -451.00 -226.00 -1.00
325 -859.00 -615.00 -371.00 -127.00 116.00
350 -816.00 -554.00 -291.00 -29.00 234.00
375 -774.00 -492.00 -211.00 70.00 351.00

Table 61. Watermelons: Estimated production costs for a following crop in a double-crop system for the southwest
Florida area, 1994-95.

Average per
Category Acre Cwt.

Yield (cwts.) 340

- Dollars -
OPERATING COSTS
Transplants 120.00
Fertilizer and lime 135.00
Fungicide 177.41
Herbicide 18.55
Insecticide 125.71
Labor 343.38
Machinery 183.21
Interest 34.74
Miscellaneous
Ditch maintenance 17.00
Plastic removal and disposal 156.82a
Bees 30.00
Farm vehicles 13.90

Total operating cost 1,355.73
FIXED COST
Machinery 97.80
Management 212.82
Overhead 283.76

Total fixed cost 594.38
TOTAL PREHARVEST COST 1,950.1lb 5.74b
HARVEST AND MARKETING COSTS
Harvest and pack 656.20 1.93
Marketing and Promotion Assessment 6.80 0.02
Selling 340.00 1.00
Total harvest and marketing cost 1,003.00 2.95
TOTAL COST 2,953.11 8.69

a Cost attributed to second crop as a result of double-crop production practices following Tomatoes.
b Costs exclude field and bed preparation, plastic mulch and fumigant.

Table 62. Watermelons: Estimated net returns for various price and yield combinations for a following crop in a
double-crop system for the southwest Florida area, 1994-95.

Dollars per cwt.
Yield (cwts.) 8.00 9.00 10.00 11.00 12.00

300 -435.00 -135.00 165.00 465.00 765.00
320 -334.00 -14.00 306.00 626.00 946.00
340 -233.00 107.00 447.00 787.00 1,127.00
360 -132.00 228.00 588.00 948.00 1,308.00
380 -31.00 349.00 729.00 1,109.00 1,489.00

32

Appendix

Cultural Labor Costs by Activity and Machinery Costs by Operation

34

Table A-1. Bush Beans: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Dade County area, 1994-95.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Seed and fertilize 0.50 3.00
Water control 25.60 153.60
Total cultural labor 26.10 156.60
Total tractor labor 4.15 37.35
TOTAL LABOR COST 193.95

Table A-2. Bush Beans: Summary of machine use and costs in the Dade County area, 1994-95.

Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS

70 hp 0.75 2.64 4.50 7.13
100 hp 1.00 5.18 8.63 13.81
160 hp 1.58 12.11 21.26 33.37
IMPLEMENTS
13 ft. heavy disc 1.33 3.66 2.45 6.11
14 ft. bottom plow 0.25 0.83 1.40 2.23
4 row fertilizer appl. 0.67 9.51 7.24 16.74
4 row planter 0.33 1.77 3.26 5.04
Boom sprayer 0.75 5.20 4.08 9.28
4 row cultivator 0.67 0.78 0.76 1.54
MISCELLANEOUS
117 hp truck mounted pump 12.80 18.74 93.06 111.80
TOTAL MACHINERY COST .60.30 146.76 207.06

Table A-3. Cabbage: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Hastings area, 1994-95.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Part Time Labor 2.08 16.22
Full Time Labor 6.64 75.70
Total cultural labor 8.72 91.92
Total tractor labor 7.83 89.21
TOTAL LABOR COST 181.13

Table A-4. Cabbage: Summary of machine use and costs in the Hastings area, 1994-95.

Dollars per acre

Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
70 hp 0.63 2.21 3.22 5.43
125 hp 4.61 27.40 41.01 68.42
140 hp 1.02 6.57 10.01 16.58
IMPLEMENTS
13 ft. harrow 0.60 1.51 0.46 1.97
V-ditcher 1.60 1.48 1.14 2.62
8 row chopper 0.42 1.85 0.62 2.47
Lister 0.10 0.57 0.28 0.85
8 row bedder 0.47 1.54 0.47 2.01
8 row cross ditcher 0.17 1.09 0.18 1.27
Boom Sprayer 0.63 4.60 3.40 8.00
Side mower 1.33 2.23 1.75 3.98
Bulk spreader 0.41 0.71 0.63 1.34
4 row transplanter 0.50 0.94 1.73 2.67
MISCELLANEOUS
10 hp electric pump 24.10 3.03 25.94 28.97
TOTAL MACHINERY COST .55.75 90.84 146.59

Table A-5. Celery: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the central Florida area, 1994-95.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Planting labor 16.75 100.50
Water control 6.00 36.00
Total cultural labor 22.75 136.50
Total tractor labor 4.75 42.75
TOTAL LABOR COST 179.25

Table A-6. Celery: Summary of machine use and costs in the central Florida area, 1994-95.

Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
70 hp 2.33 8.19 11.91 20.10
180 hp 1.46 12.33 18.65 30.98
IMPLEMENTS
20 ft. disc 0.43 1.54 0.43 1.97
Moldboard plow 0.17 0.65 0.46 1.11
20 ft. leveler 0.20 0.53 0.25 0.78
Rolling cultivator 0.25 0.58 0.26 0.84
Boom sprayer 1.08 8.29 5.77 14.06
8 row herbicide sprayer 1.00 5.58 3.89 9.47
12 row transplanter 0.67 8.42 17.18 25.60
MISCELLANEOUS
100 hp diesel pump 1.00 1.13 4.83 5.96
TOTAL MACHINERY COST .47.23 63.64 110.87

Table A-7. Celery: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Everglades area, 1994-95.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Planting labor 16.75 120.60
Water control 2.68 19.30
Total cultural labor 19.43 139.90
Total tractor labor 5.76 55.32
TOTAL LABOR COST 195.22

Table A-8. Celery: Summary of machine use and costs in the Everglades area, 1994-95.

Dollars per acre

Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
70 hp 3.55 12.47 18.15 30.62
225 hp 1.06 12.27 16.20 28.47
IMPLEMENTS
16 ft. disc 0.08 0.27 0.08 0.35
20 ft. disc 0.21 0.75 0.21 0.96
Moldboard plow 0.10 0.38 0.27 0.65
Cross ditcher 0.05 0.57 0.09 0.66
Rolling cultivator 0.25 0.58 0.26 0.84
Boom sprayer 2.25 17.27 12.03 29.30
8 row herbicide sprayer 1.00 5.58 3.89 9.47
12 row transplanter 0.67 8.42 17.18 25.60
MISCELLANEOUS
100 hp diesel pump 1.18 1.33 5.70 7.03
200 hp diesel pump 0.67 1.51 6.48 7.99
TOTAL MACHINERY COST .61.41 80.52 141.94

Table A-9. Sweet Corn: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the central Florida area, 1994-95.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Planting labor 0.33 1.98
General farm labor 13.50 81.00
Total cultural labor 13.83 82.98
Total tractor labor 2.58 23.18
TOTAL LABOR COST 106.16

Table A-10. Sweet Corn: Summary of machine use and costs in the central Florida area, 1994-95.

Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
70 hp 0.85 2.99 4.34 7.33
180 hp 0.99 8.30 12.56 20.86
IMPLEMENTS

20 ft. disc 0.60 2.15 0.60 2.75
Moldboard plow 0.22 0.85 0.60 1.44
20 ft. leveler 0.17 0.45 0.21 0.66
Rolling cultivator 0.43 1.00 0.45 1.45
Granular hopper 0.43 0.23 0.11 0.34
8 row herbicide sprayer 0.20 1.12 0.78 1.90
Pneumatic corn planter 0.22 6.02 9.96 15.98
MISCELLANEOUS
175 hp diesel pump 1.50 2.96 12.69 15.64
TOTAL MACHINERY COST .26.04 42.30 68.34

Table A-11. Sweet Corn: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Dade County area, 1994-95.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Plant 0.60 3.60
Water control 25.60 153.60
Total cultural labor 26.20 157.20
Total tractor labor 4.61 41.51
TOTAL LABOR COST 198.71

Table A-12. Sweet Corn: Summary of machine use and costs in the Dade County area, 1994-95.

Dollars per acre

Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
85 hp 2.36 9.57 16.84 26.41
125 hp 0.67 3.98 7.02 11.00
180 hp 0.66 5.53 9.88 15.41
IMPLEMENTS
13 ft. heavy disc 0.50 1.38 0.92 2.30
25 ft. disc 0.16 1.16 0.78 1.94
14 ft. bottom plow 0.50 1.65 2.80 4.45
4 row bedder w/hoppers 0.17 0.63 0.43 1.06
Boom sprayer 1.52 10.54 8.27 18.81
4 row cultivator 0.55 1.12 1.24 2.36
4 row corn planter/fert. 0.29 1.46 2.97 4.43
MISCELLANEOUS
117 hp mounted pump 12.80 28.74 93.06 111.80
TOTAL MACHINERY COST .55.77 144.21 199.98

Table A-13. Sweet Corn: Summary ofpreharvest labor costs in the Everglades area, 1994-95.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Planting labor 0.30 2.16
Water control 2.25 16.20
Total cultural labor 2.55 18.36
Total tractor labor 5.80 47.78
TOTAL LABOR COST 66.14

Table A-14. Sweet Corn: Summary of machine use and costs in the Everglades area, 1994-95.

Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
60 hp 3.95 13.73 22.76 36.49
80 hp 0.18 0.69 1.03 1.72
225 hp 0.33 3.82 5.04 8.86
Highboy 0.29 0.14 0.47 0.61
IMPLEMENTS
20 ft. disc 0.20 0.72 0.20 0.92
12 ft. chisel plow 0.13 0.47 0.24 0.71
Cross ditcher 0.05 0.34 0.05 0.39
Rolling cultivator 0.50 1.16 0.52 1.68
Granular hopper 3.20 1.68 0.80 2.48
8 ft. mower 0.29 0.52 0.37 0.89
8 row herbicide sprayer 0.20 1.12 0.78 1.90
Pneumatic corn planter 0.18 4.92 8.15 13.07
MISCELLANEOUS
100 hp diesel pump 2.26 2.53 10.88 13.41
175 hp diesel pump 1.50 2.96 12.69 15.64
TOTAL MACHINERY COST .34.79 63.97 98.77

Table A-15. Sweet Corn: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Palm Beach County area, 1994-95.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Cultivate and fertilize 1.88 11.28
Cross ditch 1.23 7.38
Miscellaneous general labor 14.39 86.34
Total cultural labor 17.50 105.00
Total tractor labor 7.73 61.80
TOTAL LABOR COST -166.80

Table A-16. Sweet Corn: Summary of machine use and costs in the Palm Beach County area, 1994-95.

Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
70 hp 0.33 1.22 1.71 2.92
80 hp 0.40 1.65 2.38 4.03
100 hp 3.88 20.70 28.40 49.10
180 hp 1.25 10.68 15.57 26.25
IMPLEMENTS
Rolling cultivator 0.33 0.79 0.36 1.15
12 ft. disc 0.75 2.01 0.56 2.58
20 ft. disc 0.50 1.79 0.50 2.29
Pneumatic corn planter 0.31 8.48 14.03 22.51
Band fert. distributor 0.40 3.76 4.55 8.30
Boom sprayer 3.57 27.40 19.09 46.48
MISCELLANEOUS
30 hp electric pump 35.00 13.64 113.05 126.69
100 hp diesel pump 8.00 9.18 37.79 46.97
TOTAL MACHINERY COST .101.31 237.98 339.29

Table A-17. Cucumbers: Summary of preharvest labor costs for a following crop in a double-crop system for the
southwest Florida area, 1994-95.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Plant 3.33 19.98
Water control 2.33 13.98
Fertilize 2.00 12.00
Water in plants 2.73 16.38
Total cultural labor 10.39 62.34
Total tractor labor 3.28 34.39
TOTAL LABOR COST 96.73

Table A-18. Cucumbers: Summary of machine use and costs for a following crop in a double-crop system for the
southwest Florida area, 1994-95.

Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
40 hp 0.33 0.77 1.17 1.94
70 hp 2.29 8.05 13.33 21.38
IMPLEMENTS
1 row mower 0.33 0.59 0.42 1.01
3 row herbicide sprayer 0.67 2.76 1.92 4.69
Boom sprayer 1.63 12.51 8.71 21.22

MISCELLANEOUS
21 hp diesel pump 30.00 6.76 35.07 41.83
60 hp diesel pump 7.50 5.07 26.31 31.38
TOTAL MACHINERY COST .36.50 86.94 123.44

Table A-19. Eggplant: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Palm Beach County area, 1994-95.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Fertilize 3.20 19.20
Bed, fumigate and press bed 1.60 9.60
Lay plastic 1.60 9.60
Make cross ditches 10.00 60.00
Set plants 20.00 120.00
Water control 6.00 36.00
Total cultural labor 42.40 254.40
Total tractor labor 16.69 133.50
TOTAL LABOR COST -387.90

Table A-20. Eggplant: Summary of machine use and costs in the Palm Beach County area, 1994-95.

Dollars per acre

Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
40 hp 0.90 2.14 2.78 4.93
70 hp 9.00 32.24 45.18 77.42
100 hp 3.45 18.41 25.25 43.66
IMPLEMENTS
1 row mower 0.40 0.72 0.51 1.23
12 ft. disc 1.65 4.43 1.24 5.67
1 row bedder 0.80 1.61 0.45 2.06
1 row bed presser 0.80 0.54 0.11 0.65
1 row fertilizer distributor 0.80 5.94 7.19 13.13
1 row plastic machine 0.80 2.72 1.89 4.60
1 row fumigator 0.80 1.67 1.60 3.27
1 row hole puncher 0.40 0.24 0.17 0.41
2 row herbicide sprayer 2.40 5.02 3.50 8.52
Boom Sprayer 5.40 41.44 28.87 70.31
1 row burner 0.50 1.79 1.25 3.04
Broadcast spreader 0.20 0.36 0.30 0.66
MISCELLANEOUS
30 hp electric pump 13.97 5.45 45.12 50.57
100 hp diesel pump 8.51 9.77 40.20 49.97
117 hp truck mounted pump 1.00 1.49 5.66 7.15
TOTAL MACHINERY COST .135.97 211.26 347.23

Table A-21. Eggplant: Summary of preharvest labor costs for the initial crop of a double-crop system in the Palm
Beach County area, 1994-95.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Fertilize 3.20 19.20
Bed, fumigate and press bed 1.60 9.60
Lay plastic 1.60 9.60
Make cross ditches 10.00 60.00
Set plants 20.00 120.00
Water control 6.00 36.00
Total cultural labor 42.40 254.40
Total tractor labor 16.69 133.50
TOTAL LABOR COST -387.90

Table A-22. Eggplant: Summary of machine use and costs for the initial crop of a double-crop system in the Palm
Beach County area, 1994-95.

Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
40 hp 0.90 2.14 2.78 4.93
70 hp 9.00 32.24 45.18 77.42
100 hp 3.45 18.41 25.25 43.66
IMPLEMENTS
1 row mower 0.40 0.72 0.51 1.23
12 ft. disc 1.65 4.43 1.24 5.67
1 row bedder 0.80 1.61 0.45 2.06
1 row bed presser 0.80 0.54 0.11 0.65
1 row fertilizer distributor 0.80 5.94 7.19 13.13
1 row plastic machine 0.80 2.72 1.89 4.60
1 row fumigator 0.80 1.67 1.60 3.27
1 row hole puncher 0.40 0.24 0.17 0.41
2 row herbicide sprayer 2.40 5.02 3.50 8.52
Boom Sprayer 5.40 41.44 28.87 70.31
1 row burner 0.50 1.79 1.25 3.04
Broadcast spreader 0.20 0.36 0.30 0.66
MISCELLANEOUS
30 hp electric pump 13.97 5.45 45.12 50.57
100 hp diesel pump 8.51 9.77 40.20 49.97
117 hp truck mounted pump 1.00 1.49 5.66 7.15
TOTAL MACHINERY COST .135.97 211.26 347.23

Table A-23. Green Peppers: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Palm Beach County area, 1994-95.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Fertilize 3.20 19.20
Bed and fumigate 1.60 9.60
Lay plastic 1.60 9.60
Cross ditch 10.00 60.00
Plant 11.50 69.00
Water control 3.50 21.00
Total cultural labor 31.40 188.40
Total tractor labor 14.71 115.49
TOTAL LABOR COST -303.89

Table A-24. Green Peppers: Summary of machine use and costs in the Palm Beach County area, 1994-95.

Dollars per acre

Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
40 hp 0.80 1.90 2.48 4.38
70 hp 3.77 13.50 18.92 32.43
100 hp 7.20 38.41 52.70 91.12
IMPLEMENTS
1 row mower 0.40 0.67 0.52 1.19
12 ft. disc 1.65 4.16 1.27 5.43
1 row bedder 0.80 1.51 0.46 1.97
1 row bed presser 0.80 0.50 0.11 0.61
1 row plastic machine 0.80 2.60 1.92 4.52
1 row cross ditcher 0.50 1.43 0.23 1.66
2 row transplanter 2.00 2.02 3.71 5.73
1 row fumigator 0.80 1.59 1.61 3.20
Boom Sprayer 2.75 20.09 14.83 34.92
2 row herbicide sprayer 0.60 1.20 0.88 2.08
Stake wagon 0.80 0.85 0.22 1.07
Broadcast spreader 0.67 1.13 1.01 2.14
2 row fertilizer distributor 0.80 5.58 7.28 12.86
MISCELLANEOUS
30 hp electric pump 21.13 8.24 68.25 76.49
100 hp diesel pump 9.10 10.45 42.99 53.43
TOTAL MACHINERY COST .115.83 219.40 335.23

Table A-25. Green Peppers: Summary of preharvest labor costs for the initial crop of a double-crop system in the
Palm Beach County area, 1994-95.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Fertilize 3.20 19.20
Bed and fumigate 1.60 9.60
Lay plastic 1.60 9.60
Cross ditch 10.00 60.00
Plant 11.50 69.00
Water control 3.50 21.00
Total cultural labor 31.40 188.40
Total tractor labor 14.71 115.49
TOTAL LABOR COST -303.89

Table A-26. Green Peppers: Summary of machine use and costs for the initial crop of a double-crop system in the
Palm Beach County area, 1994-95.

Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
40 hp 0.80 1.90 2.48 4.38
70 hp 3.77 13.50 18.92 32.43
100 hp 7.20 38.41 52.70 91.12
IMPLEMENTS
1 row mower 0.40 0.67 0.52 1.19
12 ft. disc 1.65 4.16 1.27 5.43
1 row bedder 0.80 1.51 0.46 1.97
1 row bed presser 0.80 0.50 0.11 0.61
1 row plastic machine 0.80 2.60 1.92 4.52
1 row cross ditcher 0.50 1.43 0.23 1.66
2 row transplanter 2.00 2.02 3.71 5.73
1 row fumigator 0.80 1.59 1.61 3.20
Boom Sprayer 2.75 20.09 14.83 34.92
2 row herbicide sprayer 0.60 1.20 0.88 2.08
Stake wagon 0.80 0.85 0.22 1.07
Broadcast spreader 0.67 1.13 1.01 2.14
2 row fertilizer distributor 0.80 5.58 7.28 12.86
MISCELLANEOUS
30 hp electric pump 21.13 8.24 68.25 76.49
100 hp diesel pump 9.10 10.45 42.99 53.43
TOTAL MACHINERY COST .115.83 219.40 335.23

Table A-27. Green Peppers: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the southwest Florida area, 1994-95.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Prepare beds and cross ditch 0.92 5.52
Lay plastic 1.18 7.08
Transplant 9.50 57.00
Replant 2.00 12.00
Water control 4.50 27.00
Total cultural labor 18.10 108.60
Total tractor labor 19.84 208.29
TOTAL LABOR COST 316.89

Table A-28. Green Peppers: Summary of machine use and costs in the southwest Florida area, 1994-95.

Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
40 hp 0.35 0.82 1.24 2.06
85 hp 11.21 45.47 77.57 123.04
125 hp 2.13 12.66 21.64 34.30
150 hp 0.81 5.55 9.79 15.34
210 hp 1.36 13.90 23.44 37.35
IMPLEMENTS
18 ft disc 0.81 3.03 0.85 3.88
Row marker 0.10 0.15 0.03 0.18
Field cultivator 0.31 0.70 0.31 1.01
V-ditcher 0.60 2.15 1.51 3.66
Ditch plow 0.36 0.35 0.25 0.60
3 row superbedder 0.40 6.08 1.70 7.78
3 row fumigator 0.31 1.46 1.39 2.85
3 row plastic machine 0.31 2.63 1.83 4.46
3 row transplanter 1.52 1.63 2.72 4.35
3 row herbicide sprayer 0.25 1.05 0.73 1.78
Boom sprayer 10.90 83.65 58.28 141.92
MISCELLANEOUS
20 hp diesel pump 120.00 27.03 140.29 167.32
60 hp diesel pump 30.00 20.27 105.22 125.49
TOTAL MACHINERY COST .228.58 448.81 677.39

Table A-29. Green Peppers: Summary of preharvest labor costs for the initial crop of a double-crop system in the
southwest Florida area, 1994-95.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Prepare beds and cross ditch 0.92 5.52
Lay plastic 1.18 7.08
Transplant 9.50 57.00
Replant 2.00 12.00
Water control 4.50 27.00
Total cultural labor 18.10 108.60
Total tractor labor 19.84 208.29
TOTAL LABOR COST 316.89

Table A-30. Green Peppers: Summary of machine use and costs for the initial crop of a double-crop system in the
southwest Florida area, 1994-95.

Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
40 hp 0.35 0.82 1.24 2.06
85 hp 11.21 45.47 77.57 123.04
125 hp 2.13 12.66 21.64 34.30
150 hp 0.81 5.55 9.79 15.34
210 hp 1.36 13.90 23.44 37.35
IMPLEMENTS
18 ft disc 0.81 3.03 0.85 3.88
Row marker 0.10 0.15 0.03 0.18
Field cultivator 0.31 0.70 0.31 1.01
V-ditcher 0.60 2.15 1.51 3.66
Ditch plow 0.36 0.35 0.25 0.60
3 row superbedder 0.40 6.08 1.70 7.78
3 row fumigator 0.31 1.46 1.39 2.85
3 row plastic machine 0.31 2.63 1.83 4.46
3 row transplanter 1.52 1.63 2.72 4.35
3 row herbicide sprayer 0.25 1.05 0.73 1.78
Boom sprayer 10.90 83.65 58.28 141.92
MISCELLANEOUS
20 hp diesel pump 120.00 27.03 140.29 167.32
60 hp diesel pump 30.00 20.27 105.22 125.49
TOTAL MACHINERY COST .228.58 448.81 677.39

Table A-31. Chip Potatoes: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Hastings area, 1994-95.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Full time labor 6.64 75.70
Part time labor 2.08 16.22
Total cultural labor 8.72 91.92
Total tractor labor 9.98 113.72
TOTAL LABOR COST 205.64

Table A-32. Chip Potatoes: Summary of machine use and costs in the Hastings area, 1994-95.

Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
125 hp 7.19 42.74 63.97 106.70
140 hp 0.79 5.09 7.75 12.84
IMPLEMENTS
13 ft. harrow 0.37 0.78 0.24 1.02
V-ditcher 2.40 2.22 1.71 3.93
8 row chopper 0.47 2.07 0.69 2.76
Lister 0.10 0.57 0.28 0.86
8 row bedder 0.55 4.37 1.33 5.70
8 row cross ditcher 0.21 2.26 0.37 2.63
4 row potato planter 0.14 1.69 3.12 4.81
Boom sprayer 0.40 2.92 2.16 5.08
Potato cutter 0.23 3.68 0.47 4.15
Side mower 2.67 4.49 3.50 7.99
Bulk spreader 0.50 0.84 0.75 1.59
3 row fumigator 0.17 0.76 0.77 1.53
MISCELLANEOUS
10 hp electric pump 24.10 3.03 25.94 28.97
TOTAL MACHINERY COST .77.51 113.06 190.57

Table A-33. Table Potatoes: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Dade County area, 1994-95.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Seed cutting labor 1.50 9.00
Water control 2.00 12.00
Hoe 0.15 0.90
Planting labor 2.00 12.00
Total cultural labor 5.65 33.90
Total tractor labor 3.83 34.43
TOTAL LABOR COST 68.33

Table A-34. Table Potatoes: Summary of machine use and costs in the Dade County area, 1994-95.

Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
85 hp 0.53 2.15 3.78 5.93
125 hp 0.67 3.98 7.02 11.00
160 hp 1.86 14.26 25.02 39.28
IMPLEMENTS
10 ft. weed chopper 0.17 0.53 0.39 0.92
16 ft. disc 0.88 2.59 1.74 4.33
14 ft. bottom plow 0.31 1.02 1.74 2.76
4 row bedder w/hoppers 0.17 0.63 0.43 1.06
4 row herbicide sprayer 0.18 0.92 0.56 1.48
Boom Sprayer 0.90 6.24 4.90 11.14
4 row cultivator 0.67 1.37 1.51 2.88
4 row potato planter 0.50 5.66 11.54 17.20
Potato cutter 1.50 21.67 4.46 26.13
Elevator 0.33 1.79 0.48 2.27
MISCELLANEOUS
117 hp mounted pump 3.00 4.39 21.81 26.20
TOTAL MACHINERY COST .67.22 85.38 152.59

Table A-35. Table Potatoes: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Hastings area, 1994-95.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Full time labor 6.64 75.70
Part time labor 2.08 16.22
Total cultural labor 8.72 91.92
Total tractor labor 9.98 113.72
TOTAL LABOR COST 205.64

Table A-36. Table Potatoes: Summary of machine use and costs in the Hastings area, 1994-95.

Dollars per acre

Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
125 hp 7.19 42.74 63.97 106.70
140 hp 0.79 5.09 7.75 12.84
IMPLEMENTS
13 ft. harrow 0.37 0.78 0.24 1.02
V-ditcher 2.40 2.22 1.71 3.93
8 row chopper 0.47 2.07 0.69 2.76
Lister 0.10 0.57 0.28 0.86
8 row bedder 0.55 4.37 1.33 5.70
8 row cross ditcher 0.21 2.26 0.37 2.63
4 row potato planter 0.14 1.69 3.12 4.81
Boom sprayer 0.40 2.92 2.16 5.08
Potato cutter 0.23 3.68 0.47 4.15
Span piler 0.01 0.02 0.01 0.03
Side mower 2.67 4.49 3.50 7.99
Bulk spreader 0.50 0.84 0.75 1.59
3 row fumigator 0.17 0.76 0.77 1.53
MISCELLANEOUS
10 hp electric pump 24.10 3.40 25.94 29.34
TOTAL MACHINERY COST .77.89 113.07 190.96

Table A-37. Summer Squash: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Dade County area, 1994-95.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Seed and fertilize 0.33 1.98
Water control 19.20 115.20
Total cultural labor 19.53 117.18
Total tractor labor 4.15 37.35
TOTAL LABOR COST 154.53

Table A-38. Summer Squash: Summary of machine use and costs in the Dade County area, 1994-95.

Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
70 hp 0.75 2.64 4.50 7.13
100 hp 1.00 5.18 8.63 13.81
160 hp 1.58 12.11 21.26 33.37
IMPLEMENTS
13 ft. heavy disc 1.33 3.66 2.45 6.11
14 ft. bottom plow 0.25 0.83 1.40 2.23
4 row fertilizer appl. 0.67 9.51 7.24 16.75
4 row planter 0.33 1.66 3.38 5.04
Boom sprayer 0.75 5.20 4.08 9.28
4 row cultivator 0.67 0.78 0.76 1.54
MISCELLANEOUS
117 hp truck mounted pump 9.60 14.06 69.80 83.85
TOTAL MACHINERY COST .55.62 123.50 179.11

Table A-39. Strawberries: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Plant City area, 1994-95.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Lay plastic 7.20 39.60
Total cultural labor 7.20 39.60
Total tractor labor 22.69 170.16
TOTAL LABOR COST 209.76

Table A-40. Strawberries: Summary of machine use and costs in the Plant City area, 1994-95.

Dollars per acre

Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
35 hp 10.37 16.65 25.41 42.06
75 hp 4.78 17.16 25.59 42.76
110 hp 3.00 15.99 23.69 39.68
IMPLEMENTS
12 ft. disc 2.00 5.04 1.54 6.58
Roterra 0.66 7.76 2.58 10.34
Broadcast spreader 0.31 0.52 0.47 0.99
Row marker 0.14 0.19 0.05 0.24
Boom sprayer 9.40 68.67 50.69 119.36
2 row bed presser 1.00 0.79 0.19 0.97
2 row herb sprayer 1.32 2.63 1.94 4.57
1 row fumigator 1.00 1.89 2.03 3.92
1 row hole puncher 0.66 0.40 0.28 0.68
Band fertilizer distributor 0.66 3.99 5.21 9.20
1 row plastic layer 1.00 3.10 2.44 5.54
MISCELLANEOUS
10 hp electric pump 9.38 1.18 10.09 11.28
100 hp diesel pump 8.55 9.63 41.33 50.96
TOTAL MACHINERY COST .155.59 193.53 349.12

Table A-41. Tomatoes: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Dade County area, 1994-95.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Lay plastic/fumigate 0.50 3.00
Prepare plug mix 0.13 0.78
Plant 0.30 1.80
Thin plants 3.00 18.00
Prune plants 3.00 18.00
Fertilize 0.90 5.40
Water control 28.80 172.80
Drive stakes 8.25 49.50
Pull stakes 1.20 7.20
Total cultural labor 46.08 276.48
Total tractor labor 10.81 97.31
TOTAL LABOR COST 373.79

Table A-42. Tomatoes: Summary of machine use and costs in the Dade County area, 1994-95.

Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
40 0.73 1.70 2.67 4.37
70 hp 3.79 13.28 22.67 35.95
100 hp 1.60 8.37 13.95 22.32
160 hp 2.21 16.94 29.73 46.67
IMPLEMENTS

13 ft. heavy disc 0.83 2.28 1.53 3.81
14 ft. bottom plow 0.25 0.83 1.40 2.23
3 row middle buster 0.33 0.91 0.61 1.52
3 row bedder/presser 0.40 1.49 1.00 2.49
3 row fumigator 0.40 1.70 1.83 3.53
3 row fert. distributor 1.00 8.17 11.55 19.71
3 row plastic machine 0.40 3.10 2.44 5.54
3 row Tomato planter 0.29 2.55 5.21 7.76
6 row herbicide sprayer 0.50 2.96 1.80 4.75
Boom sprayer 2.00 13.87 10.88 24.75
6 row stake driver 0.80 7.04 3.72 10.76
3 row stake puller 0.40 2.71 13.18 15.89
Stake wagon 0.40 0.39 0.11 0.50
Fertilizer tender 0.33 1.85 0.55 2.40
MISCELLANEOUS
Mixer 0.13 0.48 0.20 0.68
117 hp mounted pump 13.30 19.47 96.70 116.17
TOTAL MACHINERY COST .110.10 221.70 331.80

Table A-43. Fall Tomatoes: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Manatee/Ruskin area, 1994-95.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR

Set plants 4.00 24.00
Drive stakes 12.80 76.80
Prune plants 4.50 27.00
Water control 2.50 15.00
Total cultural labor 23.80 142.80
Total tractor labor 31.27 261.15
TOTAL LABOR COST 403.95

Table A-44. Fall Tomatoes: Summary of machine use and costs in the Manatee/Ruskin area, 1994-95.

Dollars per acre

Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS

70 hp
100 hp
125 hp
180 hp
IMPLEMENTS

13 ft. disc
14 ft. leveler
Row marker
Ditch plow
V-ditcher
3 row bedder
1 row bed presser
1 row fumigator
1 row fert. distributor
Fertilizer tender
1 row plastic machine
1 row plant setter
Herbicide sprayer
6 row stake dnver
3 row burner
Stake wagon
Stake puller
Boom sprayer
Broadcast spreader
MISCELLANEOUS

100 hp diesel pump
TOTAL MACHINERY COST

3.78
14.53
2.93
2.18

1.82
1.00
0.29
0.36
1.33
0.33
0.36
0.80
0.80
1.60
0.80
1.52
2.00
1.52
0.14
1.52
0.50
7.40
0.13

10.18

13.54
77.52
17.75
18.63

5.70
4.09
0.36
0.32
4.76
0.99
0.22
1.53
5.31
10.91
2.51
2.92
7.97
13.61
0.49
1.78
3.42
54.06
0.21

11.69

18.97
106.36
25.59
27.16

1.59
0.79
0.10
0.26
3.35
0.32
0.05
1.62
7.35
2.52
1.94
5.79
5.88
7.02
0.39
0.41
5.47
39.90
0.20

48.09

260.28 311.14

32.51
183.88
43.35
45.79

7.29
4.88
0.46
0.58
8.11
1.31
0.27
3.15
12.66
13.44
4.45
8.71
13.85
20.63
0.88
2.19
8.89
93.96
0.41

59.77
571.42

Table A-45. Fall Tomatoes: Summary of preharvest labor costs for the proceeding crop in a double-crop system
for the Manatee/Ruskin area, 1994-95.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Set plants 4.00 24.00
Drive stakes 12.80 76.80
Prune plants 4.50 27.00
Water control 2.50 15.00
Total cultural labor 23.80 142.80
Total tractor labor 31.27 261.15
TOTAL LABOR COST 403.95

Table A-46. Fall Tomatoes: Summary of machine use and costs for the proceeding crop in a double-crop system
for the Manatee/Ruskin area, 1994-95.

Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
70 hp 3.78 13.54 18.97 32.51
100 hp 14.53 77.52 106.36 183.88
125 hp 2.93 17.75 25.59 43.35
180 hp 2.18 18.63 27.16 45.79
IMPLEMENTS
13 ft. disc 1.82 5.70 1.59 7.29
14 ft. leveler 1.00 4.09 0.79 4.88
Row marker 0.29 0.36 0.10 0.46
Ditch plow 0.36 0.32 0.26 0.58
V-ditcher 1.33 4.76 3.35 8.11
3 row bedder 0.33 0.99 0.32 1.31
1 row bed presser 0.36 0.22 0.05 0.27
1 row fumigator 0.80 1.53 1.62 3.15
1 row fert. distributor 0.80 5.31 7.35 12.66
Fertilizer tender 1.60 10.91 2.52 13.44
1 row plastic machine 0.80 2.51 1.94 4.45
1 row plant setter 1.52 2.92 5.79 8.71
Herbicide sprayer 2.00 7.97 5.88 13.85
6 row stake dnver 1.52 13.61 7.02 20.63
3 row burner 0.14 0.49 0.39 0.88
Stake wagon 1.52 1.78 0.41 2.19
Stake puller 0.50 3.42 5.47 8.89
Boom sprayer 7.40 54.06 39.90 93.96
Broadcast spreader 0.13 0.21 0.20 0.41
MISCELLANEOUS
100 hp diesel pump 10.18 11.69 48.09 59.77
TOTAL MACHINERY COST .260.28 311.14 571.42

Table A-47. Spring Tomatoes: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Manatee/Ruskin area, 1994-95.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR

Set plants 4.00 24.00
Drive stakes 12.80 76.80
Prune plants 4.50 27.00
Water control 2.50 15.00

Total cultural labor 23.80 142.80
Total tractor labor 26.44 220.75

TOTAL LABOR COST 363.55

Table A-48. Spring Tomatoes: Summary of machine use and costs in the Manatee/Ruskin area, 1994-95.

Dollars per acre

Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
70 hp
100 hp
125 hp
180 hp

IMPLEMENTS

13 ft. disc
14 ft. leveler
Row marker
Ditch plow
V-ditcher
3 row bedder/fert. distrib.
1 row bed presser
1 row fumigator
1 row fert. distributor
Fertilizer tender
1 row plastic machine
1 row plant setter
Herbicide sprayer
6 row stake driver
3 row burner
Stake wagon
Stake puller
Boom sprayer
Broadcast spreader
MISCELLANEOUS

100 hp diesel pump
TOTAL MACHINERY COST

3.78
10.66
2.93
2.18

1.82
1.00
0.29
0.36
1.33
0.33
0.36
0.80
0.80
1.60
0.80
1.52
1.33
1.52
0.14
1.52
0.50
4.20
0.13

10.18

13.54
56.88
17.75
18.63

5.70
4.09
0.42
0.35
4.76
1.11
0.24
1.67
5.94
10.91
2.72
3.26
5.57
13.61
0.49
1.78
3.42
32.23
0.23

11.69

18.97
78.03
25.59
27.16

1.59
0.79
0.09
0.25
3.35
0.31
0.05
1.60
7.19
2.52
1.89
5.44
3.88
7.02
0.39
0.41
5.47
22.46
0.19

48.09

217.00 262.73

32.51
134.90
43.35
45.79

7.29
4.88
0.52
0.60
8.11
1.42
0.29
3.27
13.13
13.44
4.60
8.70
9.45
20.63
0.88
2.19
8.89
54.69
0.43

59.77

479.72

Table A-49. Spring Tomatoes: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the north Florida area, 1994-95.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Soil prep/bedding 4.50 27.00
Lay plastic 3.20 19.20
Transplant and reset 5.50 33.00
Water control 25.00 150.00
Total cultural labor 38.20 229.20
Total tractor labor 15.49 116.16
TOTAL LABOR COST -345.36

Table A-50. Spring Tomatoes: Summary of machine use and costs in the north Florida area, 1994-95.

Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
40 hp 6.35 14.82 19.99 34.81
70 hp 2.13 7.48 10.89 18.37
125 hp 3.91 23.24 34.79 58.03
IMPLEMENTS
16 ft. disc 1.34 4.49 1.26 5.75
14 ft leveler 0.27 1.10 0.21 1.31
1 row bedder/presser 1.00 2.68 0.75 3.43
1 row plastic machine 0.80 2.72 1.89 4.61
1 row fumigator 0.50 0.95 1.01 1.96
1 row plant setter 1.33 2.86 4.76 7.62
3 row herbicide sprayer 0.52 2.18 1.52 3.70
Boom sprayer 5.50 42.21 29.41 71.62
6 row stake driver 0.33 3.31 1.46 4.77
Stake wagon 0.33 0.39 0.09 0.48
Moldboard plow 0.80 3.08 2.17 5.25
MISCELLANEOUS
40 hp diesel pump 33.30 15.00 64.38 79.39
30 hp electric pump 11.10 4.20 35.85 40.05
TOTAL MACHINERY COST .130.70 210.42 341.12

Table A-51. Tomatoes: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the southwest Florida area, 1994-95.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Lay plastic 2.40 14.40
Transplant and reset 9.60 57.60
Water control 4.50 27.00
Total cultural labor 16.50 99.00
Total tractor labor 13.83 145.16
TOTAL LABOR COST -244.16

Table A-52. Tomatoes: Summary of machine use and costs in the southwest Florida area, 1994-95.

Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
70 hp 4.58 16.09 26.65 42.75
100 hp 0.41 2.15 3.47 5.62
125 hp 3.11 18.43 31.50 49.93
180 hp 1.28 10.73 18.57 29.31
210 hp 1.69 17.28 29.13 46.41
IMPLEMENTS
18 ft. disc 1.28 4.29 1.20 5.49
Row marker 0.10 0.15 0.03 0.18
V-ditcher 0.92 3.33 2.34 5.67
Ditch plow 0.36 0.35 0.25 0.60
3 rowbedder 0.40 6.08 1.70 7.78
3 row fumigator 0.31 1.46 1.39 2.85
3 row plastic machine 0.44 3.73 2.59 6.33
3 row transplanter 1.33 1.43 2.38 3.81
6 row herbicide sprayer 0.67 2.76 1.92 4.69
Boom sprayer 3.25 24.94 17.38 42.32
6 row stake driver 1.33 12.73 5.64 18.36
Stake wagon 0.67 0.78 0.18 0.96
MISCELLANEOUS
20 hp diesel pump 120.00 27.03 140.29 167.32
60 hp diesel pump 30.00 20.27 105.22 125.49
TOTAL MACHINERY COST 174.02 391.86 565.88

Table A-53. Tomatoes: Summary of preharvest labor costs for the initial crop of a double-crop system in the
southwest Florida area, 1994-95.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Lay plastic 2.40 14.40
Transplant and reset 9.60 57.60
Water control 4.50 27.00
Total cultural labor 16.50 99.00
Total tractor labor 13.83 145.16
TOTAL LABOR COST -244.16

Table A-54. Tomatoes: Summary of machine use and costs for the initial crop of a double-crop system in the
southwest Florida area, 1994-95.

Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
70 hp 4.58 16.09 26.65 42.75
100 hp 0.41 2.15 3.47 5.62
125 hp 3.11 18.43 31.50 49.93
180 hp 1.28 10.73 18.57 29.31
210 hp 1.69 17.28 29.13 46.41
IMPLEMENTS
18 ft. disc 1.28 4.29 1.20 5.49
Row marker 0.10 0.15 0.03 0.18
V-ditcher 0.92 3.33 2.34 5.67
Ditch plow 0.36 0.35 0.25 0.60
3 rowbedder 0.40 6.08 1.70 7.78
3 row fumigator 0.31 1.46 1.39 2.85
3 row plastic machine 0.44 3.73 2.59 6.33
3 row transplanter 1.33 1.43 2.38 3.81
6 row herbicide sprayer 0.67 2.76 1.92 4.69
Boom sprayer 3.25 24.94 17.38 42.32
6 row stake driver 1.33 12.73 5.64 18.36
Stake wagon 0.67 0.78 0.18 0.96
MISCELLANEOUS
20 hp diesel pump 120.00 27.03 140.29 167.32
60 hp diesel pump 30.00 20.27 105.22 125.49
TOTAL MACHINERY COST 174.02 391.86 565.88

Table A-55. Watermelons: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the Alachua/Levy County area, 1994-95.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
General labor 10.34 52.73
Total cultural labor 10.34 52.73
Total tractor labor 3.11 18.68
TOTAL LABOR COST 71.41

Table A-56. Watermelons: Summary of machine use and costs in the Alachua/Levy County area, 1994-95.

Dollars per acre

Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
60 hp 0.89 3.09 3.97 7.06
125 hp 1.60 10.25 14.01 24.26
IMPLEMENTS
12 ft. disc 0.60 1.51 0.46 1.97
Sub-soil shank 0.40 0.67 0.37 1.04
1 row middle buster 0.20 0.59 0.18 0.77
1 row bedder 0.20 0.38 0.12 0.50
1 row fert. distributor 0.20 1.39 1.82 3.21
Broadcast spreader 0.20 0.34 0.30 0.64
Bottom plow 0.40 1.34 1.04 2.38
1 row planter 0.29 1.56 2.87 4.43
MISCELLANEOUS
100 hp diesel pump 3.00 3.64 14.40 18.04
Hose reel/gun/trailer 3.00 19.04 31.37 50.41
TOTAL MACHINERY COST .43.81 70.90 114.71

Table A-57. Watermelons: Summary of preharvest labor costs for the following crop of a double-crop system in
the Manatee/Ruskin area, 1994-95.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Planting labor 8.00 48.00
Turn vines 30.00 180.00
Water control 2.33 13.98
Total cultural labor 40.33 241.98
Total tractor labor 3.24 23.80
TOTAL LABOR COST 265.78

Table A-58. Watermelons: Summary of machine use and costs for the following crop of a double-crop system in
the Manatee/Ruskin area, 1994-95.

Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
85 hp 2.59 10.71 15.41 26.12
IMPLEMENTS
Liquid fertilizer rig 0.33 3.16 1.59 4.75
Boom sprayer 2.26 17.34 12.08 29.42
MISCELLANEOUS
100 hp diesel pump 14.29 16.41 67.50 83.91
TOTAL MACHINERY COST .47.62 96.58 144.21

Table A-59. Watermelons: Summary of preharvest labor costs in the north Florida area, 1994-95.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
General farm labor 8.60 51.60
Total cultural labor 8.60 51.60
Total tractor labor 9.73 58.35
TOTAL LABOR COST 109.95

Table A-60. Watermelons: Summary of machine use and costs in the north Florida area, 1994-95.

Dollars per acre

Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
85 hp 5.83 22.80 33.98 56.78
125 hp 1.95 12.49 17.08 29.57
IMPLEMENTS
16 ft. disc 0.95 3.19 0.89 4.08
Sub-soil shank 0.40 0.72 0.36 1.08
1 Row bedder 0.20 0.40 0.11 0.52
1 Row Press/Fumigator 0.90 1.25 1.07 2.31
1 Row fert. distributor 0.17 1.09 1.33 2.42
1 row plastic machine 0.40 1.36 0.94 2.30
Boom Sprayer 0.50 3.84 2.67 6.51
Bottom plow 0.40 1.43 1.01 2.44
Chisel plow 0.57 2.04 1.04 3.07
1 row planter 0.29 1.66 2.77 4.43
Hose reel/gun/trailer 3.00 19.04 31.37 50.41
MISCELLANEOUS
150 hp diesel pump 3.00 5.46 21.60 27.06
TOTAL MACHINERY COST .76.76 116.21 192.97

Table A-61. Watermelons: Summary of preharvest labor costs for a following crop in a double-crop system for
the southwest Florida area, 1994-95.

Operation Hours per acre Dollars per acre

CULTURAL LABOR
Plant 3.33 19.98
Water-in plants 2.73 16.38
Fertilize 2.74 16.44
Turn vines 30.00 180.00
Water control 2.33 13.98
Total cultural labor 41.13 246.78
Total tractor labor 9.20 96.60
TOTAL LABOR COST -343.38

Table A-62. Watermelons: Summary of machine use and costs for a following crop in a double-crop system for
the southwest Florida area, 1994-95.

Dollars per acre
Description Hours per acre Fixed Variable Total

TRACTORS
40 hp 2.70 6.30 9.59 15.89
70 hp 4.66 16.37 27.12 43.49
IMPLEMENTS
Boom sprayer 6.70 51.42 35.82 87.24
3 row herbicide sprayer 0.66 2.76 1.92 4.69
MISCELLANEOUS

20 hp diesel pump 46.52 10.48 54.39 64.87
100 hp diesel pump 15.50 10.47 54.36 64.83
TOTAL MACHINERY COST .97.80 183.21 281.01

MILLISECOND	CLASS.METHOD	MESSAGE
0	sobekcm_page_globals.constructor
0	sobekcm_page_globals.constructor	Application State validated or built
0	sobekcm_database.verify_item_lookup_object
0	sobekcm_page_globals.constructor	Navigation Object created from URI query string
0	sobekcm_database.verify_item_lookup_object
0	sobekcm_page_globals.display_item	Retrieving item or group information
0	sobekcm_page_globals.get_entire_collection_hierarchy	Retrieving hierarchy information
0	sobekcm_assistant.get_entire_collection_hierarchy
0	cached_data_manager.retrieve_item_aggregation
0	cached_data_manager.retrieve_item_aggregation	Found item aggregation on local cache
0	item_aggregation_builder.get_item_aggregation	Found 'all' item aggregation in cache
0	system.web.ui.page.page_load (ufdc.page_load)
0	sobekcm_page_globals.constructor.on_page_load
0	html_echo_mainwriter.add_style_references	Adding style references to HTML
0	html_echo_mainwriter.add_text_to_page	Reading the text from the file and echoing back to the output stream
150	html_echo_mainwriter.add_text_to_page	Finished reading and writing the file

	Front Cover
	Abstract
	Acknowledgement
	Table of Contents
	Introduction
	Map: principal vegetable producing...
	Key terms used in tables
	Tables
	Appendix